Internet Addiction and Its Effect on Sleep Quality Among Medical Students

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of internet addiction in medical school students, and to examine the relationship between internet addiction and sleep quality, sleepiness and psychological resilience. Method: The study was conducted with 213 participants studying at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Faculty of Medicine. A sociodemographic questionnaire, Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale were applied to all participants, and the results were statistically evaluated. Results: The average age of the participants was found as 21.25±2.00. 65.3% (n=139) of the participants were women and 27.2% (n=58) were first-year students. The average score of Young's internet addiction was 27.15±7.35; the average Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was 5.49±2.47. 60% of them were evaluated as having poor sleep quality. Average Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were 6.62±4.22; average scores of the Psychological Resilience Scale were 19.35±5.04. There was a positive and significant relationship between Young Internet Addiction and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality. As internet addiction increased, sleep quality decreased. A negative significant relationship was found between Young's Internet Addiction and the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. As internet addiction increased, psychological resilience decreased. Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that as internet addiction increased, sleep quality and psychological resilience decreased, and daytime sleepiness increased. We can improve sleep quality by preventing internet addiction, and increase participation in daily activities and psychological resilience by reducing daytime sleepiness. Keywords: internet addiction disorder, sleeplessness, resiliency, psychological