The influence of media on the sleep quality in adolescents

Özet

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of media devices on sleepquality in adolescents. Applying a descriptive design, the study was carriedout with 9th, 10th and 11th grade students (N=392, 52.0% female, averageage 16.04±0.86) who were attending Konya High School between the datesof January 18 and 22, 2016. Changes were seen to occur in the wake-uptimes of those who had either a television or a computer in their bedrooms(p<0.005, p<0.05, respectively). Overall, it was determined that the studentswho participated in the study had poor sleep quality (66.6%). A positivecorrelation was detected between the amount of time the adolescents spentwatching TV, using the internet, and playing games on their mobile phone,and the wake-up times (r=0.154, p<0.005; r=0.152, p<0.005; r=0.258,p<0.001; r=0.232, p<0.001, respectively). A negative correlation was detectedbetween playing computer/console games and listening to music and sleepduration in the adolescents (respectively, r=-0.149, p<0.005; r=-0.107,p<0.05). The results showed that as the adolescents spent more time withtheir media products (except TV watching), their sleep quality deteriorated.In adolescents, the duration and quality of sleep were found to be affectedby certain aspects of media use. It is therefore recommended that familiesregulate the intended purpose and content of their children's media use andlimit the time spent with media. Moreover, media products should be removedfrom their bedrooms. More training and intervention studies on sleep patternsand media literacy should be conducted with this study group.