Nighttime digital consumption and its impact on sleep quality in university students

Main Article Content

Cisaddy Samantha Lazo-Bravo
Ariana Elena Ortiz-Villalta
Ramona Marina Arriaga-Muñiz

Abstract

Nighttime digital consumption has become a frequent habit among university students, with direct implications for sleep quality. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of nighttime digital consumption on sleep quality in second-semester students of the Pedagogy of Language and Literature program at Universidad Estatal de Milagro. The research adopted a quantitative approach, explanatory level, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. The population consisted of 95 students, to whom the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were applied. The findings revealed that students experienced occasional difficulties in falling asleep in less than 30 minutes and frequent nocturnal awakenings, although without reaching severe levels of dysfunction. The linear regression model showed that Internet addiction explained 19.8% of the variability in sleep quality, confirming its significant impact. It is concluded that nighttime digital consumption constitutes a relevant risk factor for sleep disruption in university students, underscoring the need to promote institutional strategies aimed at technological self-regulation and education on healthy sleep habits. The limitations of the study include its cross-sectional design and the restriction to a single academic program, which limits the generalizability of the results. Future research should consider longitudinal designs and comparative samples across different academic contexts.

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How to Cite
Lazo-Bravo, C., Ortiz-Villalta, A., & Arriaga-Muñiz, R. (2025). Nighttime digital consumption and its impact on sleep quality in university students. 593 Digital Publisher CEIT, 10(5), 420-431. https://doi.org/10.33386/593dp.2025.5.3497
Section
Investigaciones /estudios empíricos
Author Biographies

Cisaddy Samantha Lazo-Bravo, Universidad Estatal de Milagro - Ecuador

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https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8625-2019

Cisaddy Samantha Lazo Bravo is a General Psychologist with a Master's in Character and Emotional Education. She currently works as an Adjunct Lecturer at the State University of Milagro (UNEMI), where her research has also been focused. Her publications cover topics such as the emotional well-being of university teachers, neuropedagogy, project-based learning in virtual environments, research in educational and work psychology in Latin America, and 21st-century literacy. Furthermore, she has explored interactive communication and orthography, demonstrating a wide range of research interests.

Ariana Elena Ortiz-Villalta, Universidad Estatal de Milagro - Ecuador

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https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5273-7396

Ariana Elena Ortiz Villalta, a psychologist by profession, has worked in the field of teaching, teaching the subject of Research. She has also worked as a community psychologist in social projects of the MIES (Ministry of Education), helping people develop their daily living skills, and in the Student Counseling Department of an Educational Unit. She currently holds the position of Director of an Educational Unit. Her first scientific article is entitled "Technological Dependence and its Influence on Sleep Quality in Second-Semester University Students of the Language and Literature Pedagogy Program - UNEMI: A Neuropsychological Approach," reflecting her interest in applied neuropsychology. This has allowed her to acquire knowledge in various professional areas.

Ramona Marina Arriaga-Muñiz, Universidad Estatal de Milagro - Ecuador

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https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3530-8905

Ramona Marina Arriaga Muñiz has been a psychologist for 11 years. She currently works as the Coordinator of the Student Counseling Department at the Eloy Rugel Aragundi University in the city of Daule. In her role as Coordinator, she carries out activities related to student well-being.

Her first scientific article is entitled "Technological Dependence and its Influence on Sleep Quality in Second-Semester University Students of the Language and Literature Pedagogy Program - UNEMI: A Neuropsychological Approach," reflecting her interest in applied neuropsychology. This has allowed her to acquire knowledge in various professional areas.

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