Digital Nights: A Study on Social Media Habits and Sleep Disorders among Pakistani University Students

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and sleep quality among Pakistani university students, considering gender and residential variations. With the growing use of digital platforms, sleep disruption has emerged as a public health concern. Social media engagement before bedtime is increasingly linked to poor sleep health and emotional imbalance. A quantitative research design was adopted using simple random sampling. A total of 300 students (150 males and 150 females) from three public universities in Faisalabad participated. Data were collected using the Social Media Use Index, Social Media Addiction Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Statistical tools such as correlation, ANOVA, chi-square, and regression were used for analysis. Findings showed no significant relationship between overall or nighttime social media use and sleep quality. However, emotional engagement with social media was significantly associated with sleep disturbances among both genders. The study suggests promoting digital literacy and awareness campaigns to encourage healthy online habits and emotional regulation.