# Exploring the link between internet addiction and sleep quality and the implications of this relationship: a systematic review

## TL;DR

This review finds that excessive internet use, especially before bed, is linked to poor sleep quality and highlights the need for digital education to address this issue.

## Contribution

A systematic review establishing a clear link between internet addiction and sleep quality, emphasizing the need for awareness and intervention strategies.

## Key findings

- Excessive internet use is significantly associated with impaired sleep quality.
- Digital interactions before bedtime negatively impact mental and physical health.
- 25 studies met inclusion criteria, confirming the relationship between internet use and sleep disruption.

## Abstract

The internet has become an important element in people's lives. The increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices has promoted an increase in digital interactions, resulting in significant problems in the field of mental health. However, one of the implications of excessive internet use is impaired sleep quality, especially among users who use the internet before bed.

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases to identify articles that addressed the association between excessive internet use and sleep quality. Studies in which participants had a previous diagnosis of insomnia or used psychoactive substances were excluded.

The initial search resulted in a total of 3269 articles, 25 of which met the inclusion criteria. The results suggested an association between excessive internet use and sleep quality.

Excessive internet use significantly compromises sleep quality, directly affecting users’ mental and physical health. This study highlights the importance of strategies that promote digital education to raise awareness about the risks of excessive use of screens.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO, CRD 42024610542.