PROBLEMATIC SMARTPHONE USE, SLEEP QUALITY, AND BEDTIME PROCRASTINATION AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN ABAKALIKI A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

This study explored problematic smartphone use, sleep quality, and bedtime procrastination among young adults in Abakaliki metropolis. A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted to gain an in-depth understanding of participants’ lived experiences. Twenty young adults aged 18–35 years were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that participants engaged in frequent and prolonged smartphone use, particularly at night, driven by entertainment, social interaction, and emotional coping needs. Bedtime procrastination was a common behavior, as participants often delayed sleep despite intending to sleep early. The study further showed that poor sleep quality was widespread, characterized by delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and daytime fatigue. Participants acknowledged a strong relationship among excessive smartphone use, bedtime procrastination, and poor sleep quality, although behavioral change remained limited. The study concludes that problematic smartphone use significantly contributes to bedtime procrastination and poor sleep quality among young adults. It recommends increased awareness of digital well-being, sleep hygiene education, and interventions aimed at improving selfregulation among young adults.