The evaluation of the effect of digital burnout on sleep quality in Dicle University Medical students

Introduction and Aim: The pervasive integration of digital technologies into daily life has begun to affect individuals' cognitive, emotional, and physiological balance, increasingly contributing to digital exhaustion and sleep disturbances, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to determine the levels of digital exhaustion among students at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine and to evaluate its relationship with sleep quality. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of all students enrolled at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, with a sample of 270 students who voluntarily participated. This descriptive and cross-sectional study collected data through face-to-face surveys. The Digital Burnout Scale (DBS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used as measurement tools. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: A total of 270 medical students participated in the study. The mean age was 21.15±2.30 years, and 55.2% of the participants were female. The mean total DBS score was 66.17±18.92. Subscale scores were as follows: digital fatigue 33.29±9.44, digital deprivation 15.60±6.00, and emotional exhaustion 17.30±6.04. The mean PSQI score was 8.87±3.23. Of the participants, 57.5% had moderate sleep disturbances, and 14.4% had poor sleep quality. Statistically significant differences were observed in DBS scores based on gender, academic year, personal room availability, daily internet use duration, and frequency of digital device use before sleep (p<0.05). Regarding PSQI scores, income level, presence of a social media account, reported sleep disorders, and pre-sleep device use frequency were found to be significant factors (p<0.05). A positive and significant correlation was found between PSQI scores and digital fatigue (r=0.297), digital deprivation (r=0.284), emotional exhaustion (r=0.325), and total DBS score (r=0.349) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Intensive and unconscious use of digital devices contributes to digital exhaustion and adversely affects sleep quality. It is recommended that strategies be developed to prevent digital exhaustion and that sleep hygiene education be promoted among medical students. Keywords: Digital Exhaustion, Medical Students, Sleep Quality, Health Education, Sleep Disorders