The influence of constant mobile device use during wartime on sleep duration and healh conditions of Ukrainian youths

Abstract

Background. The number of digital device users (i.e., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) has been increasing in recent years. During wartime, a phone or laptop serves not only for communication but also as a primary tool of information search. Many researchers have described the negative impact of constant mobile device use on different organ systems. However, existing studies do not provide a certain conclusion about the influence of this factor on sleep duration. The purpose of this research was to define the correlation between constant use of mobile devices during wartime and the sleep duration of young people. Materials and methods. One hundred and twenty-five participants aged 18 to 25 years, 95 females and 30 males, were enrolled. Descriptive and sociological methods were used with creation of a specialized questionnaire, which was distributed via Google Forms in the most popular social networks. Results. The data analysis showed that constant use of mobile devices had the most negative consequences for female participants. They exhibited more significant somatic and psychological changes compared to males. This trend may be associated with gender-specific responses of the female body to such factors, as well as the duration and origin of its impact. Conclusions. Based on data obtained, it was concluded that constant mobile device use affects the nervous system altering sleep duration and quality. Additionally, females were found to be more vulnerable to mentioned factor.