SCREEN USE AND SLEEP QUALITY AMONG PAKISTANI YOUNG ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF COGNITIVE AROUSAL

Abstract

Growing concerns regarding excessive digital media engagement have highlighted its potential impact on sleep health. The present study examined the relationship between screen use and sleep quality and tested cognitive arousal as a mediating mechanism among young adults. A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. The sample consisted of 600 university students of Pakistan aged 18–30 years (M_age= 20.42, SD = 1.82) recruited through purposive sampling. Participants completed the Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale (MTUAS), Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Findings revealed that Screen use was positively associated with cognitive arousal (r = .09*, p < .05) and poorer sleep quality (r = .14**, p < .01). Cognitive arousal was strongly and positively associated with poor sleep quality (r = .51***, p < .001) further revealing that cognitive arousal fully mediated the relationship between screen use and sleep quality. Findings suggest that interventions targeting pre-sleep cognitive arousal and limiting nighttime screen use may improve sleep quality among young adults.