JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The widespread use of smart devices, particularly among university students, has raised concerns about its impact on sleep quality. Bedtime usage of smart devices is associated with sleep disruptions and poor sleep quality.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the behavioral, perceptual, and physical factors influencing university students' intention to stop using smart devices at bedtime.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2024 among university students in Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire, distributed via social media platforms, gathered data on demographics, smart device usage habits, perceived negative effects on sleep, and physical sleep disturbances. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality. Path analysis was performed to evaluate relationships between the outcome variable, Intended to Stop using Smart device Usage (ISSU), and three latent variables: Sleep Quality Smartphone Usage (SQSU), Sleep Quality Perceived Negative Effects (SQPNE), and Sleep Quality During the Past Month (SQDPM). Model fit was assessed using Chi-Square, Comparative Fit Index (CFI), and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA).

Results:

The study had 774 participants. Frequent nightly use and use of smart devices after lights were turned off were significantly associated with the intention to stop device use at bedtime. The strongest predictors of the intention to stop were perceived negative effects on next-morning well-being (path coefficient = 0.71) and difficulty breathing comfortably during sleep (path coefficient = 0.64). Conversely, spending more time on devices and engaging in multiple activities negatively influenced the intention to stop. Model fit was excellent (CFI = 0.845, RMSEA = 0.039).

Conclusions:

Perceived negative effects on sleep quality and physical sleep disturbances are strong predictors of the intention to stop using smart devices at bedtime among university students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene should focus on raising awareness about the impact of smart device use on well-being and addressing behaviors such as late-night usage and heavy screen time. Public health strategies should target both psychological and physiological aspects of bedtime smart device use to improve sleep quality in this population.