IN THE SHADOW OF BLUE LIGHT: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN SLEEP QUALITY, ACADEMIC SUCCESS, AND SMARTPHONE ADDICTION AMONG HEALTH SCIENCE STUDENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Smartphone use is increasing among university students, and numerous studies associate it with poor sleep quality, which may affect academic performance. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep quality, excessive smartphone use, and academic performance among health science students.

Methods: The study included 206 students from the University Department of Health Studies at the University of Split. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), and a short questionnaire on demographic data and grade point average were used. Statistical analyses included χ² test, MANOVA, and regression models.

Results: Smartphone addiction was identified in 48.5% of students, while 39.3% had poor sleep quality. A statistically significant association was found between excessive smartphone use and lower sleep quality (p=0.042). No significant association was found between sleep quality and academic performance. Younger students, female students, and students in lower years of study showed higher levels of smartphone addiction. The lowest rates of addiction were observed among physiotherapy students.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a link between excessive smartphone use and poorer sleep quality, but not between sleep quality and academic performance.