The impact of internet addiction on sleep quality among nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Internet addiction, marked by excessive and uncontrolled digital use, negatively affects physical, psychological, and social well-being, contributing to anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, as prolonged screen time and emotional stress can disrupt sleep and impair daily functioning. Methods: This descriptive correlational study examined the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality among 144 nursing students. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Internet addiction depicted as 29% had mild, 8.3% moderate, and 0.6% severe addiction. Poor sleep quality was reported by 67% of participants. The mean internet addiction score was 28.71 ± 16.566, with mean sleep quality score 6.83 ± 5.317. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.237, p = 0.01) indicated that higher internet addiction levels were associated with poorer sleep quality. Conclusion: Targeted interventions are recommended to promote responsible internet use and better sleep hygiene.