IMPACT OF SMARTPHONE USAGE ON SLEEP QUALITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG BSC NURSING STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The integration of smartphones into the daily lives of university students has raised concerns regarding their impact on health and education. Nursing students, who face rigorous academic and clinical demands, are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of excessive device usage. This study explored the relationship between smartphone addiction, sleep quality, and academic outcomes within the specific context of nursing education in Pakistan.A quantitative descriptive correlational design was employed. Data were collected via non-probability convenience sampling from 31 BSc Nursing students in Karachi using a structured questionnaire. The instrument included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and self-reported academic performance (GPA). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. The findings indicated moderate levels of smartphone addiction (M=3.29, SD=0.86) and below-average sleep quality (M=2.87). Correlation analysis revealed a significant moderate negative relationship between smartphone addiction and sleep quality ($r = -0.42$) and a negative correlation with academic performance ($r = -0.36$). Conversely, better sleep quality was positively associated with higher academic achievement ($r = 0.44$). Furthermore, smartphone addiction was linked to increased daytime tiredness ($r = 0.48$), which further impaired academic efficiency.smartphone usage significantly disrupts sleep patterns and negatively impacts the academic success of BSc Nursing students. The findings suggest that sleep quality acts as a critical mediator between technology habits and educational outcomes. It is recommended that nursing institutions implement awareness programs and "digital discipline" workshops to help students balance technology use with their health and professional training requirements.