Adolescents' sleep quality in the context of Internet use

Abstract

Background and purpose - The present study is a continuation of our previous research, our aim is to assess the sleep quality of adolescents in light of Internet use. We conducted a cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive questionnaire survey among students aged 12-18 in primary and secondary education (n = 308). A self-edited questionnaire, a scale of sleep hygiene rules, and the Athens Insomnia Scale were used. On the Athens Insomnia Scale, they scored an average of 5.39 (3.93) points, with 17% of adolescents considered insomniac. Students watch an average of 1.27 (1.04) hours of film a day, and 47% of them use the Internet for more than two hours a day. Excessive internet use (p < 0.001) and use of smart devices before falling asleep (p = 0.002) have a negative effect on sleep quality. Stress increases in parallel with Internet use (p = 0.001). Those who sleep better perform better in school (p = 0.034). Excessive use of smart devices is associated with higher stress levels and poorer sleep quality. Our goal is to draw the attention of parents and adolescents to the reduction of Internet use and the possible consequen-ces of deteriorating sleep quality.