The Influence of Smartphone Overuse on Sleep Quality and Anxiety Levels Among Nursing Students

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of smartphone overuse on sleep quality and anxiety levels among nursing students. A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of students’ lived experiences, as this design allows the exploration of subjective perceptions and behavioral patterns related to smartphone use. The research was conducted at a nursing education institution in Surabaya, Indonesia, selected due to its urban context and high digital exposure among students. A total of twelve participants and four key informants were purposively selected based on their relevance, particularly those experiencing excessive smartphone use and related sleep or anxiety disturbances. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and document review, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that smartphone overuse, especially during nighttime, significantly contributes to poor sleep quality, including delayed sleep onset and fatigue, while also increasing anxiety levels through cognitive overload and social comparison. The study recommends implementing digital literacy programs, sleep hygiene education, and institutional support strategies to promote healthier smartphone use and improve students’ psychological well-being.