Smartphone Usage and Sleep Quality among Students: A Perspective

from Philippine Women’s College of Davao

A Quantitative Study

Submitted and presented to: Jade Gomez, RPm

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Subject

Submitted by:

Trecia Bacalla
Nilda Colas
Sean Fuentes
Jmelle De Los Reyes
Kenji Luma Tubongbanua
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Rationale

The widespread use of smartphones has revolutionized the way we communicate and

build social connections. With over three billion smartphone users worldwide as of

August 2020 (Statista, 2020), these multifunctional mobile devices have sparked a

technological revolution across various industries. In the realm of higher education, the

use of smartphones by students has garnered attention. While previous research has

primarily focused on smartphone addiction and its impact on students' sleep quality (C.

Eichenberg et al., 2019), the influence of smartphones on education is a topic of

increasing interest. Students now own smartphones in large numbers, and these

devices have become essential tools for entertainment, education, and communication.

With the increasing prevalence and integration of cell phones into daily life, it is crucial

to understand the impact these devices have on students' overall health, particularly in

relation to sleep quality.

Many consumers are unaware of the amount of time they spend on their phones each

day. Research shows that the average person checks their devices 63 times a day and

talks on the phone for about three hours daily (Marko M, 2023). This accumulates to a

significant amount of time spent on phones, which many people may not realize. Ever

since the invention of smartphones and their applications, the way people communicate

has changed. However, this has also raised concerns about the misuse and

dependence on electronics. Not only is their widespread use raising questions, but there
is also the possibility of consequences linked to inappropriate use. For this reason,

scholars are highlighting the importance of examining this behavior, particularly in youth

(Nikolic A. et al., 2023).

The study conducted in China examined the effects of chronic smartphone use on the

memory and sleep quality of a nationally representative sample of Chinese students.

Although few students reported smartphone addiction, many showed regular

smartphone use and confidence when using mobile devices. The duration, frequency,

and self-efficacy of smartphone usage were found to predict habitual use, which was

associated with worse memory outcomes and lower sleep quality. Exposure before

bedtime was found to mediate the association between regular smartphone use and

sleep quality. Even in cases where there was little evidence of smartphone addiction,

the data demonstrate that students' regular smartphone use significantly influenced their

health, cognition, and other areas. These results advance our understanding of how

smartphones affect students (Li X et al., 2021).

An investigation was conducted in the Philippines to determine the connection between

first-year college students' use of social media and their sleep quality (J. Distor et al.,

2022). The study involved 385 first-year students from higher education institutions in

the Philippines for the academic year 2021–2022. The researchers used simple random

sampling and employed a descriptive-correlational methodology. Data was collected

using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Social Media Addiction Scale

(SMAS). To understand the relationship between social media usage and sleep quality,
the null hypothesis was tested at 0.01 alpha level of significance. Pearson product-

moment correlation coefficient indicated that there is a significant relationship between

the variables with the R-value of 2.83 which suggests a strong positive correlation. It is

evident that college students' use of social media significantly affects their sleep quality.

This study recommends regulating social media usage, as it can have adverse effects

on college students when overlooked (J. Distor et al., 2022).

A study conducted in General Santos City shed light on how smartphone sleep

technology can help children and adolescents deal with psychosocial stress and mental

health problems during the pandemic (Toquero, 2021). The authors emphasized the

importance of collaboration between educators, researchers, and health practitioners in

strengthening public health policies and conducting evidence-based research on digital

health interventions. The scientific findings can improve the monitoring of sleep using

smartphone apps as a health intervention to encourage kids and teenagers to maintain

good sleep hygiene (Toquero, 2021).

The results of this study will add to the existing body of knowledge and support future

research projects and researchers. Therefore, the researchers chose to investigate the

relationship between smartphone use and sleep quality, specifically among students at

the Philippine Women's College. This is important for understanding how technology

and sleep habits interact and impact overall well-being. The findings from this research

can be used to develop targeted interventions, policies, and educational programs to

encourage healthier smartphone use and improve sleep quality among students.
Statement of the Problem

Generally, this study investigates the relationship between social media usage and the

quality of sleep among the students at Philippine Women’s College. Specifically, it

sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the participants in terms of?

1.1 Age

1.2 Gender

1.3 Year Level

2. What is the level of smartphone usage of students in Philippine Women’s College

in terms of:

2.1 Duration

2.2 Mood modification

2.3 Conflict

3. What is the level of sleep quality of the participants in terms of:

3.1 Subjective sleep quality

3.2 Sleep disturbances

3.3 Daytime dysfunction

H1: There is no significant correlation between smartphone usage and sleep

quality among the students at Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

Review of Related Literature

Smartphone Usage

According to a recent study, technology is widespread in modern life and exposes

students to a wide range of international knowledge. College students now use their

smartphones for academic purposes, such as sending messages, submitting

homework, and looking up information. However, as students tend to use their

smartphones more for entertainment than for academic purposes, excessive

smartphone use, or smartphone addiction may have a negative impact on academic

performance (B. Rathakrishnan et al., 2021). Research has indicated that the usage of

mobile phones can lead to health issues and disrupt sleep (Toquero, 2021). Long-term

smartphones use negatively impacts sleep patterns and compromises sleep quality, per

a study (Valasareddy et al., 2019).

Sleep Quality

A person's sleep quality significantly influences their daily lives, as well as their health

and well-being. Sleep is thought to occupy almost one-third of a person's life. A person's

biological growth, social and physical surroundings, and social relationships all influence

how they sleep. The amount of sleep required varies based on lifestyle and age. For
kids in school, nine to twelve hours of sleep per night are advised, 8 to 10 hours for

teenagers, while adults are advised to sleep for seven or more hours per night (A.

Nikolic et al., 2023). People often fail to prioritize getting enough sleep, even though

they are aware of its importance, and end up not getting the recommended eight hours.

Various factors such as illness, mental health issues, and sleep disorders can lead to

insufficient sleep and poor sleep quality (A. Nikolic et al., 2023). Sleep problems can

affect people of all ages and can have negative effects. This is especially true for

adolescents, who typically get less sleep than other age groups.

According to a study (Buch et al., 2019), sleep is essential for both the body and mind to

function properly. Another study by Pilcher and Ott (Yau et al., 2020) suggests that

sleep quality is comparable to health metrics. This knowledge highlights the importance

of gaining a deeper understanding of sleep quality in relation to daily life among young,

healthy, and sleep-deprived individuals. This is significant because sleep disorders,

such as insomnia, can last a lifetime.

According to a study, most of their respondents reported having excellent subjective

sleep quality and duration. However, they did experience occasional weekly or

bimonthly sleep disruptions and did not use sleeping pills (Masoed et al.,2021). Another

study also conducted and highlighted that poor sleep quality is a significant public health

concern, as it increases the risk of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and

excessive weight gain, particularly affecting 32% of people between the ages of 18 and

24 (Becerra et al., 2020). According to CDC data, this population primarily consists of

college students, who are known to have poor sleep quality (C. Cabello et al., 2022).
Relationship of Smartphone usage and Sleep quality

To perform at their best mentally, individuals require sufficient rest. Students' efforts to

attain academic success may be hindered by lack of sleep. College students who were

deprived of sleep for a full day performed better than those who underwent a

challenging cognitive test (Nikolic et al., 2023).

An investigation was conducted to examine the relationship between academic

achievement, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction. This study examined the

correlation between academic performance, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction

through quantitative research involving 323 students at a public university in Sabah. The

findings indicated that students may underperform academically if they experience poor

sleep quality. It was found that there is a connection between smartphone addiction and

poor sleep quality, with excessive smartphone use among college students being

associated with lower sleep quality (A. Yahaya et al., 2021).

Additionally, a study on college students and those with sleep issues were

overrepresented in the group of students experiencing academic difficulties, suggesting

a potential connection between irregular sleep patterns and academic achievement.

Inadequate sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, which in turn can cause a decline in

focus, impaired memory, and poor judgment (Nikolic et al., 2023). Conversely, getting

enough restful sleep can improve cognition and memory performance, highlighting the

importance of sleep-in strengthening memory. Sleep deprivation can also impact

learning through reduced motivation, depression, and compromised general health. In

conclusion, smartphone usage can impact the students sleep quality and may

contribute to a poor academic performance based on these research findings.

Cognitive Load Theory

The cognitive load theory suggests that working memory can only handle a limited amount of

information at once (Sweller, 1988). This supports the study and may explain how cell phones

can be distracting. High cognitive load can disrupt a cognitive task or lead to errors (Cooper &

Sweller, 1987; Sweller, 1988). Using smartphones for activities like messaging, quickly reading

articles, and playing games may overload working memory.

Restoration Theory of Sleep

The researchers' experiment is anchored on Dr. Ian Oswald's Restoration Theory of

sleep. This theory suggests that inadequate sleep can reduce human productivity and

possibly lead to unproductivity. Dr. Oswald argues that insufficient sleep is linked to

various health issues, emphasizing the importance of sleep in the repair processes of

both the body and the brain. According to this theory, the body undergoes repair during

slow-wave sleep (SWS), while the brain undergoes restoration during rapid eye

movement (REM) sleep. Scientific evidence, such as the observed increase in growth

hormone secretion during SWS, supports these claims. This theoretical framework

highlights the potential negative effects of insufficient sleep on individuals' overall well-

being. Ian Oswald's Restoration Theory of sleep outlines several fundamental

principles, which are examined alongside sleep's role in enhancing academic

performance. This theory is supported by research showing that people who get less

sleep than usual tend to be less productive and experience health problems.
Conceptual Framework

Smartphone Sleep Quality

The illustration above shows the flow of the study, whereas the independent variable

(smartphone) has a direct arrow towards the dependent variable (sleep quality).

Significance of The Study

1. Health Implications: Understanding the link between students' smartphone

usage and sleep quality is crucial due to potential health consequences. Sleep is

vital for maintaining mood stability, cognitive function, and overall well-being.

Excessive smartphone use, especially in the evening, has been linked to poor

quality sleep, which can lead to various health issues such as fatigue, reduced

academic performance, and even mental health conditions like depression and

anxiety.

2. Academic Performance: Studying the impact of students' smartphone usage on

their quality of sleep is essential for educational institutions, legislators, and

instructors. Excessive smartphone use before bedtime can result in poor sleep

quality, which can negatively affect focus, memory consolidation, and cognitive

function. These factors, in turn, can have a detrimental effect on students'

academic performance. Understanding this relationship can help in developing

performance.

3. Parental and Educator Guidance: Parents, teachers, and other caregivers

greatly influence students' technology usage and sleeping patterns.

Understanding the impact of smartphone use on sleep quality can help these

stakeholders establish appropriate rules and regulations. By informing parents

and teachers about the potential risks of excessive smartphone use before bed,

students can develop healthy digital habits.

4. Long-term well-being: To promote students' long-term well-being, it's important

to understand how smartphone use affects sleep quality. Inadequate sleep

during adolescence and early adulthood can have lasting negative effects on

health. Early intervention to develop healthy digital habits can lead to improved

sleep and overall well-being. Addressing smartphone-related sleep disruptions is

crucial.

Definition of Terms

1. Smartphone- A smartphone is a mobile device that combines the

functionality of a traditional mobile phone with advanced computing

capabilities.

2. Sleep quality- Sleep quality is defined as one's satisfaction of the sleep

experience, integrating aspects of sleep initiation, sleep maintenance, sleep

quantity, and refreshment upon awakening.

achievement or success that a student demonstrates in their academic

endeavors, typically measured through various indicators such as grades, test

scores, class participation, and overall comprehension of subject matter.

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