The Impact of Bedtime Smartphone Usage on Sleep Quality among Undergraduate Medical Students
[Year:2025] [Month:January-March] [Volume:20] [Number:1] [Pages:5] [Pages No:1 - 5]
Keywords: Bedtime smartphone use, Daytime sleepiness, Digital hygiene, Health impacts, Medical students, Pittsburgh index, Smartphone, Sleep quality
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0148 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Context: Smartphone use has surged ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about its impact on daily-to-day activities. Blue light emitted by smartphones is known to disrupt melatonin production and adversely affect circadian rhythms, which can potentially affect the health and academics of future doctors. Aims: This study aims to assess the prevalence of bedtime smartphone use among medical students and its impact on their sleep quality. Settings and Design: The research was a cross-sectional study involving 302 undergraduate medical students at a medical college. Materials and methods: Data were collected via a pre-tested, semistructured Google Forms questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographic details, patterns of smartphone use, and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Statistical analysis used: Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were calculated using PSPP software, with significance determined at p < 0.05. Results: A significant portion (92.05%) of students reported using smartphones at bedtime, mainly for social media activities. Prolonged smartphone use, especially for over 60 minutes before sleep, was strongly linked to poor sleep quality (OR = 33.92, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Frequent and extended use of smartphones before bed is associated with poorer sleep quality among medical students. Educational programs focusing on digital and sleep hygiene could improve sleep quality and, consequently, student health and academic performance. Clinical significance: There is a high prevalence of bedtime smartphone use among medical students, which is correlated with poor sleep quality. Longer smartphone usage durations before sleep increase the risk of sleep disturbances, which can subsequently lead to a myriad of health problems in the future. Educational initiatives promoting digital hygiene could be beneficial.
[Year:2025] [Month:January-March] [Volume:20] [Number:1] [Pages:10] [Pages No:6 - 15]
Keywords: Obstructive sleep apnea, Sleep, Snoring
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0146 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Clinical and polysomnographic observations of 250 cases of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is presented. Apart from snoring and daytime sleepiness, unable to sleep well, early morning headache and nocturia were noted as presenting complaints. Musical snoring was also observed. Mild snoring and nocturia were seen in elderly subjects. Nocturnal observations included somniloquy, bruxism, rolling on the bed while sleeping, jerking in sleep, and excessive dreams. Deficient rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (less than 15%) was common. Fast eating was prominent in subjects who had deficient REM sleep (significant correlation). The majority of the patients were obese but lean patients with body mass index (BMI) < 24.9 were also observed. Recognition of OSA with non-classical presenting symptoms is important.
A Systematic Review Assessing the Impact of Surgery on Sleep Disturbances in Craniopharyngioma
[Year:2025] [Month:January-March] [Volume:20] [Number:1] [Pages:14] [Pages No:16 - 29]
Keywords: Adamantinous, Brain tumor, Hypothalamic injury, Neurosurgery, Obstructive sleep apnea, Papillary, Pituitary, Rathke cleft
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0144 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Introduction: Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are rare benign brain tumors associated with high morbidity due to their proximity to important structures. Surgical resection is key to treatment but carries significant risk due to iatrogenic hypothalamic injury. The hypothalamus plays a vital role in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, damage due to the Craniopharyngioma or surgery could result in sleep disturbances, negatively affecting health outcomes and quality of life. This systematic review aimed to evaluate sleep in patients both pre- and postsurgery to try and define the role of surgery on sleep disturbances, which may enable better management of patients by guiding surgical decision-making. Methods: A systematic review was performed using Medline, Embase, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were articles that described sleep disturbances pre- and/or postsurgery in craniopharyngioma. Eleven studies were included. Critical appraisal showed a high risk of bias. The data extracted were unsuitable for meta-analysis, but the weighted prevalence of sleep disturbances was calculated and compared. Results: No statistical difference was found between the weighted prevalence of sleep disturbances pre- vs postsurgery. Combined findings of individual studies displayed no clear patterns of differences in sleep disturbances pre- to postsurgery. The most common sleep disturbances were excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)/somnolence. Limitations of studies included a lack of control groups, insufficient statistical analysis, and small sample sizes. Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that sleep disturbances are not different pre- to postsurgery. However, the strength of this conclusion is limited by the quality of the evidence included, highlighting the need for more suitably designed primary research in this area. Systematic review registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023469112.
A Rare Case of Secondary Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
[Year:2025] [Month:January-March] [Volume:20] [Number:1] [Pages:2] [Pages No:30 - 31]
Keywords: Case report, Obstructive sleep apnea, Polysomnography, Tracheal stenosis
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0147 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that is frequently encountered by pulmonary specialists both in children and adults due to the strong correlation with various factors, such as obesity, COPD, and craniofacial abnormality. A decrease in tone in the upper airway muscles during sleep and anatomic abnormalities like narrowing of the upper airway can lead to OSA. The upper airway abnormalities whether congenital or acquired can increase the risk of OSA. Though common surgical cases in otorhinolaryngologist clinics, such cases are rare in a pulmonologist practice. We hereby report a rare case of tracheal stenosis status post-cricotracheal resection anastomosis with delayed surgical site web formation resulting in secondary OSAS. A 36-year-old man with a history of Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) had received prolonged mechanical ventilation due to GBS disease complications and developed tracheal stenosis. It was managed with partial cricotracheal resection anastomosis. Later after 5 years of correction surgery, he presented with snoring and dyspnea on exertion. He had gained weight and his surgical site showed a web formation. Both factors narrowed the previously patent upper airway. Polysomnography demonstrated mild OSA. The patient was kept under observation and managed conservatively. A high clinical index of suspicion and awareness of the existence of delayed post-surgical sequelae in surgeries involving the trachea is essential for the diagnosis.
Nasal Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure Devices for Sleep Apnea
[Year:2025] [Month:January-March] [Volume:20] [Number:1] [Pages:3] [Pages No:32 - 34]
Keywords: Nasal expiratory positive airway pressure, Novel therapy, Sleep apnea
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10069-0149 | Open Access | How to cite |
Abstract
Nasal expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) devices are an emerging treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), offering a portable, noninvasive alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. These devices function by generating expiratory resistance, which increases upper airway pressure, preventing collapse, and reducing apneic events. Nasal expiratory positive airway pressure devices, such as Bongo Rx, Provent, and ULTepap have demonstrated efficacy in reducing the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and improving sleep quality, particularly in patients with mild-to-moderate OSA. Studies have shown comparable adherence rates to CPAP, with benefits including simplicity, portability, and the absence of external power requirements. However, limitations include reduced efficacy in severe OSA, patient discomfort due to expiratory resistance, and nasal irritation. This review explores the mechanism of action, clinical evidence, and critical considerations for EPAP devices, highlighting their role as a viable alternative for CPAP-intolerant patients while emphasizing the need for tailored therapy based on individual patient characteristics.