Evaluating the role of lifestyle habits and sleep behavior on sleep quality: A cross-sectional study

Exploring Sleep Distractors

Abstract

The current lifestyle and technological advancements are contributing to chronic sleep deprivation, a significant public health issue. The study examines the effect of sleep behavior and disruptors, such as screen time, bedtime displacement, and physical activity, on sleep parameters, highlighting the growing public health concern of chronic sleep deprivation. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among medical students, faculty, and staff members (aged 18–49 years) after obtaining ethical approval. Basic demographic details and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess sleep parameters. A sleep behavior questionnaire was prepared and validated to gather information on sleep hygiene, physical activity, and screen time. Results: The study of 216 participants found that 52.78% had good sleep quality and 47.22% had poor sleep quality. Sleep quality and duration had statistically significant associations with exercise frequency and the duration between dinner and bedtime. Sleep quality and latency had statistically significant associations with two additional sleep behaviors: screen use before bed and screen time per day. Sleep disturbances had a statistically significant association with screen time per day and the duration between dinner and bedtime. Conclusion: The study reveals that lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and screen time, significantly influence sleep duration and quality, with increased screen usage leading to sleep disturbances, particularly before bedtime.