A Descriptive Study to Assess the Impact of Social Media on Sleep Pattern among Allied and Healthcare 1st Year Students of Selected Nursing Colleges of Budgam, Kashmir

Abstract

The present study assessed the pattern of social media usage, sleep pattern, and their interrelationship among 98 Allied and Healthcare first-year students of selected nursing colleges in Budgam, Kashmir. Descriptive statistics revealed that social media usage scores ranged from 19 to 32, with a mean of 24.53 ± 2.60. The distribution showed slight positive skewness and negative kurtosis, indicating mild right-tail inclination and lack of symmetry in usage patterns. Sleep pattern scores ranged from 14 to 29, with a mean of 22.71 ± 2.83, also demonstrating negative kurtosis and slight left-skewness, suggesting variability and asymmetry in sleep behaviours. Correlation analysis demonstrated a weak negative relationship between social media usage and sleep pattern (r = –0.0141), indicating that higher social media use was minimally associated with poorer sleep, though the association was negligible. Further analysis of demographic variables showed that age (r = 0.3737), gender, and place of living had significant associations with social media usage. Parental qualification also showed a positive correlation (r = 0.70), suggesting that higher educational attainment may be associated with greater or more purposeful social media engagement. Other variables, such as the occupation of parents, the type of family, and the monthly income, showed mixed or non-significant associations. Overall, the findings indicate moderate social media usage and moderate sleep disturbances among students, with minimal direct correlation between the two. However, certain demographic variables significantly influenced social media engagement. The study highlights the need for awareness regarding balanced digital habits and healthy sleep practices among young learners.