The effect of digital addiction and sleep quality on excessive daytime sleepiness in health-related undergraduate students

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of sociodemographic factors, sleep quality, and digital addiction on excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among undergraduate students in the field of health sciences. This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2022 and September 2024. The population consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in health-related faculties at Süleyman Demirel University during the 2022-2023 academic year, totaling 4,241 students. The sample size was calculated using the OpenEpi program, with a frequency (p) of 14% and a distribution range (d) of 2%, resulting in 909 individuals for a 5% error margin (α) and a 95% confidence interval. A total of 1088 participants were reached, and the study was completed. The dependent variable was the occurrence of EDS, while the independent variables were sociodemographic factors, sleep quality, and digital addiction. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to assess EDS, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality, and the Digital Addiction Scale (DAS) was used to evaluate digital addiction. Data collected through online survey were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), employing descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent t-test, and logistic regression analysis. A significance level of p<0.05 was adopted. The prevalence of EDS in this study was found to be 25.5%. Higher levels of EDS were observed among females, those not receiving education in their desired field, individuals who typically ate before bedtime, those with poor sleep quality, and students with high levels of digital addiction. Additionally, higher levels of EDS were associated with poor perceived health status, high perceived stress levels, noisy living environments, having a bedtime routine, lack of regular physical exercise, and using electronic devices during the sleep onset process. It was determined that one out of every four health sciences students in Isparta experienced EDS. Increasing awareness about EDS and implementing regulations regarding influencing factors are recommended to mitigate its adverse effects. Keywords: Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Health Sciences Students, Sleep Disorders