Bedtime Electronic Device Usage and Daytime Sleepiness among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: In the 21st century, the use of digital devices has become a daily affair. This has led to excessive daytime sleepiness, which is also prevalent among medical students. However, there is a gap in awareness regarding the association between the use of digital devices and their impact on sleep.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of daytime sleepiness among medical students and the awareness of the association between daytime sleepiness and the use of digital devices.

Study Design: A cross-sectional analytical study

Methodology: This study was conducted at a private medical university among medical students. Purposive sampling was done to enroll respondents. A questionnaire was distributed online using Google forms to undergraduate students. The data was statistically analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.5.0 the statistical test conducted was the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. The frequency and percentage were then analysed.

Results: A total of 123 students responded to the survey. In this study, 39.84% respondents reported of having excessive daytime sleepiness, with a mean score for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scale at 9.49 (SD ± 3.85). When considering the level of awareness, Chinese ethnicity had a high level of awareness than the other groups of ethnicities. There was no statistically significant association between the demographic characteristics and daytime sleepiness and awareness levels among the respondents.

Conclusion: This study showed that there was a higher prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness than in other populations. However, most of the respondents did not have a negative impact on their work and social life.