Sleep pattern among electronic device users and its relationship with users' practice in Malaysia university community.

A cross-sectional study on the different health effects following the usage of electronic devices among the university community residing in Selangor, Malaysia was carried out using an online self-administered questionnaire. The results showed the cumulative hours spent by respondents ( n = 304) on mobile phone, laptop, tablet and portable game console was 8.3 per day. The incidences of eye strain, memory lapse, fatigue, neck pain and back pain were reported. Bivariate analysis showed that these musculoskeletal problems were not associated with the rest interval while using the devices. The average 6.9 h of sleep per day and average 3.3 (0-6) in rating their sleep quality was recorded. The rate on sleep quality was significantly positive correlated ( p < 0.013) with sleep hours but negatively correlated ( p < 0.026) with hours spent on devices. Furthermore, respondents who left electronic device in switch-on mode while sleeping and kept in dormitory had poorer sleep quality compared to those who switched off. Insomnia symptoms were encountered among the respondents in regard to poor sleep quality, behaviours including leaving electronic device in switch-on mode while sleeping and use of the devices before sleep. Hence, it is advisable to reduce the electronic devices usage to enjoy better sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]