Smartphone Usage Patterns and Sleep Behavior in Demographic Groups: Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Category: Epidemiology Tags: smartphone usage, sleep patterns, demographics, nocturnal inactivity, social media, sleep disruption, public health DOI: 10.2196/60423 URL: jmir.org Overview Although previous studies have examined the relationship between smartphone usage and sleep disorders, research on demographic differences in smartphone usage and nocturnal smartphone inactivity patterns remains limited. This study introduces the concept of "nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration" as a proxy indicator to address the limitation of lacking direct sleep data and to further investigate the association between smartphone usage patterns and sleep characteristics. Objective The objective was to investigate demographic differences and relationships between daily smartphone usage and nocturnal smartphone inactivity patterns. Methods - Retrospective analysis of data collected from the Murmuras app from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. - 1074 participants categorized by gender, age, highest degree, employment status, and smartphone usage purpose. - Daily smartphone usage duration and duration of nocturnal smartphone inactivity calculated per participant. - Statistical tests included normality and homogeneity of variance analyses, Kruskal–Wallis tests for group differences, and correlation/regression analyses for associations between usage and inactivity. Findings - Smartphones were predominantly used for social contact (average 1.52 h/day) and recreational activities (1.08 h/day), particularly through Facebook and YouTube. - Frequent use of smartphones, especially for social media and entertainment, increased at night. - Females used phones more frequently, especially for shopping and social interaction, while males used them more at nighttime (P<.001). - Younger individuals and non-full-time employees used smartphones more for gaming and chatting (P<.01). - Higher education correlated with less smartphone use (P<.001). - Work-related usage decreased after work hours (P<.05). - Most demographic groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nighttime inactivity, but some subgroups did show positive or negative correlations. Conclusion This study underscores a significant association between demographic factors and smartphone usage patterns, including nocturnal inactivity. Females, young people, those with lower education, and the unemployed demonstrated higher use, especially at night, often engaging with social and recreational apps—behaviors associated with sleep disruption. These findings highlight the need for interventions targeting excessive nighttime smartphone use to mitigate its potential adverse effects on sleep. There is a clear connection between behavioral exposure to electromagnetic fields from smartphone use and risks to sleep health.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In a retrospective analysis of Murmuras app data (2022; n=1074), smartphone use was mainly for social contact and recreation, with increased use at night. Demographic differences were observed (e.g., females used phones more frequently; males used them more at nighttime; younger individuals and non-full-time employees used more for gaming/chatting; higher education correlated with less use). Most demographic groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nocturnal inactivity, though some subgroups showed positive or negative correlations.

Outcomes measured

• Nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration (proxy indicator related to sleep)
• Sleep disruption (discussed/associated)

Limitations

• No direct sleep data; nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration used as a proxy indicator
• Observational retrospective design (associations only)
• Most groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nighttime inactivity; subgroup correlations varied

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    "study_type": "cohort",
    "exposure": {
        "band": null,
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "Daily smartphone usage duration (hours/day) and nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration (proxy) calculated over Jan 1, 2022–Dec 31, 2022"
    },
    "population": "App users (Murmuras app) categorized by gender, age, highest degree, employment status, and smartphone usage purpose",
    "sample_size": 1074,
    "outcomes": [
        "Nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration (proxy indicator related to sleep)",
        "Sleep disruption (discussed/associated)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In a retrospective analysis of Murmuras app data (2022; n=1074), smartphone use was mainly for social contact and recreation, with increased use at night. Demographic differences were observed (e.g., females used phones more frequently; males used them more at nighttime; younger individuals and non-full-time employees used more for gaming/chatting; higher education correlated with less use). Most demographic groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nocturnal inactivity, though some subgroups showed positive or negative correlations.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "No direct sleep data; nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration used as a proxy indicator",
        "Observational retrospective design (associations only)",
        "Most groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nighttime inactivity; subgroup correlations varied"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "smartphone usage",
        "sleep patterns",
        "nocturnal inactivity",
        "demographics",
        "social media",
        "sleep disruption",
        "public health",
        "mobile phone"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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