Digital Hours, Sleepless Nights and Rising BMI: A Prospective Study on Screen Time, Sleep Quality and Obesity among Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Excess screen time, poor sleep quality and obesity are emerging lifestyle-related health problems among adolescents. This study assessed their relationship among adolescents. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from November 2025 to May 2026 among 214 adolescents aged 10–19 years. Demographic details, screen time, bedtime screen use, sleep duration and sleep quality were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Height and weight were measured, and BMI was classified using age- and sex-appropriate reference standards. Associations between screen time, sleep quality and obesity were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The mean age was 14.6 ± 2.3 years. Excess screen time of more than two hours per day was reported by 64.5% of adolescents, while poor sleep quality was observed in 59.8%. Overweight and obesity were present in 19.6% and 13.1%, respectively. Obesity was significantly higher among adolescents with excess screen time compared with lower screen time (18.1% vs 3.9%; p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality was also significantly associated with obesity (18.8% vs 4.7%; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Excess screen time and poor sleep quality were significantly associated with overweight and obesity among adolescents. Key words: Adolescents; Body mass index; Obesity; Screen time; Sleep quality.