A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF INTERNET ADDICTION AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Increasing internet use among adolescents has emerged as an important behavioural and psychological concern. Although internet access supports education, communication, and entertainment, excessive or poorly controlled internet use may interfere with sleep, academic functioning, physical activity, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of internet addiction and its association with sleep quality among adolescents. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry during 2012 among 140 adolescents aged 13–19 years. Adolescents with regular internet access and willingness to participate were included. Participants with known psychiatric illness, neurological disorders, or severe chronic illness were excluded. Sociodemographic details, duration and timing of internet use, academic performance, physical activity, behavioural changes, and sleep-related symptoms were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Internet addiction was assessed using standardized internet addiction assessment scales, and sleep quality was evaluated through sleep-related parameters including sleep duration, sleep latency, night awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. Results: The mean age of participants was 16.2 ± 1.8 years. Male predominance was observed, and the majority belonged to the 16–19-year age group. Internet use exceeding four hours per day was observed in 60 (42.9%) adolescents. Moderate internet addiction was the most common category, observed in 70 (50.0%) participants. Delayed sleep onset and reduced sleep duration were the commonest sleep disturbances. Prolonged internet use, nighttime internet activity, severe internet addiction, and reduced physical activity showed significant association with poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Internet addiction was commonly observed among adolescents and showed significant association with sleep disturbances and behavioural changes. Prolonged internet use, nighttime screen exposure, severe internet addiction, and reduced physical activity were important factors associated with poor sleep quality