The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Consequences on Medical Students’ Sleep Patterns and Technology Addiction

Abstract

Introduction: Sleep disorders are an important public health problem. In the case of young people, and especially students, due to both academic demands and social life, many situations can lead to sleep disturbances. Aim: To evaluate the quality of sleep in medical students and its relationships with technology addiction. Background: Current research indicates that the technology usage by the university students determined an impaired sleep quality and a shortened sleep duration. Method: One hundred eleven second-year students attending medical education were included in the study. Its dependent variable was low sleep quality and independent variables were behavioral factors, smartphone addiction, computer usage, watching TV and other questioned features. A sleep questionnaire to assess the sleep quality in medical students was provided to medical students. This study was conducted in the University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania. Results: The majority of medical students had shorter, irregular sleep duration and consumed energizing and stimulating drinks. Conclusions: In COVID-19 pandemic, the students' tech addiction associated with the behavioral factors was found as risk factors for poor sleep quality.