Quality of Sleep, Work Time, and Smartphone Usage in Migrant Workers of India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and Objective Insufficient sleep associated with long work hours and prolonged smartphone usage is common among migrant workers. Considering their increased recruitment in Bangalore’s (South India) restaurant industry, it is essential to assess their sleep quality and its relationships with work-time and smartphone use. Methods Ninety migrant restaurant workers recruited using a snowball sampling technique were surveyed using a comprehensive semi-structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic details, work schedules, and smartphone usage patterns. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to assess sleep quality of these migrant workers (global score of >5 indicated poor sleep quality). Associations between sleep quality, work schedules, and smartphone usage pattern were then assessed using relevant statistical tests. Results The mean age of migrants was 26.4 ± 8.5 years. Their average work-time was 10.1 ± 1.6 hours with an average smartphone use of 60 (30–90) minutes per day. Approximately 22.2% of the population had poor sleep quality according to PSQI. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations of poor sleep quality with work-time exceeding 10 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–21.5), continuous smartphone usage of more than 1 hour (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 1.3–22.2), and frequent headaches due to smartphone use (AOR = 23.4; 95% CI = 3.4–161.4). Conclusions This study demonstrated that over one fifth of migrant workers had poor sleep quality, with excessive work-time, prolonged smartphone use, and frequent smartphone-induced headaches predicting a poor sleep quality. Consequently, migrant workers should receive awareness sessions on sleep hygiene and responsible smartphone use.

Keywords

• india
• migrant worker
• sleep
• smartphone
• work time