A new cross-sectional study from Chennai, published in Cureus on October 19, 2025, reveals that COVID-19 lockdowns significantly worsened screen addiction and sleep quality among medical and allied health undergraduates. Conducted at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, the study surveyed 470 final-year students on their screen use and sleep patterns before and during the lockdown.
Median daily screen time jumped from five to eight hours, while the prevalence of poor sleep increased from 14.3% to 23.2%.
Social media, streaming, and gaming usage rose sharply. Statistical analysis showed a clear link between extended screen exposure and deteriorating sleep quality, with students using screens over 12 hours a day facing nearly four times higher odds of poor sleep.
Researchers warned that prolonged screen use, depressive symptoms, and heightened fear of COVID-19 were major contributors to sleep disruption, urging universities to monitor digital habits and promote healthier routines.
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