Year: 2026 | Month: June | Volume: 13 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 76-92
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260609
Exploring the Relationship Between Screen Exposure, Digital Fatigue, Blue Light Exposure, and Sleep Quality in College Students
Naimisha Majji1, Dr. Thilagaraj T2, Swastha Hoizal3, C. Dhanush4, Dr. Hunny Kalra5
1M.Sc. Psychology Student, Department of Psychology and Allied Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, (Karnataka) India
2Associate Professor in Data Analytics and Mathematical Science, Department of Data Science, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, (Karnataka) India
3MSc. Physics Student, Department of Physics, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India.
4MSc. Forensic Science Student, Department of Forensic Science, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Karnataka, Bengaluru, India.
5Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Allied Sciences, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru, (Karnataka) India
Corresponding Author: Naimisha Majji
ABSTRACT
Background: The increasing use of digital devices among college students has raised concerns about its impact on digital fatigue, blue light exposure, and sleep quality. This study is grounded in Cognitive Load Theory and Arousal Theory. According to Cognitive Load Theory, excessive screen exposure increases mental workload, leading to cognitive exertion and digital fatigue. Arousal Theory suggests that exposure to artificial blue light, particularly during nighttime, suppresses melatonin secretion, increases physiological arousal, disrupts circadian rhythms, and impairs sleep quality. Previous research has highlighted links between prolonged screen use, eye strain, and sleep disturbances, though evidence on the independent effects of blue light and digital fatigue on sleep quality remains mixed.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess levels of screen exposure, digital fatigue, blue light exposure, and sleep quality among college students, examine their interrelationships, and investigate predictors of digital fatigue.
Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed. A convenience sample of 123 college students aged 18-25 years participated. Data were collected through an online survey administered via Google Forms. Screen exposure was assessed using the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, digital fatigue with the Screen Fatigue Scale), blue light exposure using a custom 3-item self-report measure, and sleep quality using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Short Form (8 items). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression were performed using SPSS.
Results: Mean scores were: screen exposure, M = 70.90 (SD = 15.70); digital fatigue, M = 3.90 (SD = 2.74); blue light exposure, M = 8.11 (SD = 2.56); sleep quality, M = 26.49 (SD = 4.67).
Screen exposure was positively correlated with digital fatigue (r = 0.480, p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between blue light exposure and sleep quality (r = -0.046, p = 0.610) or between digital fatigue and sleep quality (r = 0.021, p = 0.814). Multiple regression indicated that screen exposure, blue light exposure, and sleep quality together predicted digital fatigue, explaining 23.6% of variance (R² = 0.236, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Digital fatigue among college students appears to be primarily influenced by screen exposure, with secondary contributions from sleep patterns and blue light exposure. These findings highlight the need for interventions promoting screen hygiene, digital well-being, and healthy sleep behaviors among students.
Keywords: digital fatigue, digital mindfulness, blue light exposure, sleep quality
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