Effect of Social Media Screen Time on Sleep Patterns and Quality among Postgraduate Students in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Social media is widely used among postgraduate students for communication, networking, and academic purposes. However, excessive screen time, especially at night, may impair sleep quality and patterns, affecting overall well-being and academic performance. Objective: To assess the effect of social media screen time on sleep patterns and quality among postgraduate students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 students undergoing a master's in public health distance learning programme selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire with adapted components of the Social Media Engagement Questionnaire (SMEQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between social media behaviours and sleep outcomes. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: WhatsApp (96.0%) was the most frequently used social media platform, followed by Facebook (51.1%) and YouTube (49.7%). Social media use occurred predominantly at night (43.0%), and 56.1% of respondents reported always using social media in bed before sleeping. The mean sleep duration was 6.1 ± 1.3 hours, with 38.0% sleeping 6–7 hours per night. Difficulty falling asleep (26.2%), frequent night awakenings (32.9%), and waking unrefreshed (37.4%) were commonly reported. Sleep duration showed a negative correlation with bedtime delay (r = −0.21) and perceived negative effects of social media (r = −0.17), but a positive correlation with sleep quality (r = 0.26). In multivariable regression analysis, bedtime delay (p < 0.001), night-time social media checking (p = 0.048), and perceived negative effects of social media (p = 0.003) were associated with shorter sleep duration. Bedtime delay (AOR = 1.52, p < 0.001), night-time checking (AOR = 1.27, p = 0.039), and perceived negative effects of social media (AOR = 2.41, p = 0.001) significantly increased the odds of poor sleep quality. Conclusion: Social media screen time, particularly behaviours such as delaying bedtime and checking social media at night, is associated with poorer sleep patterns and sleep quality among postgraduate students. Interventions promoting digital wellness and sleep hygiene may help improve sleep behaviours in this population.