The Effects of Smartphone Breaks on the Cognitive Function of Sleep-Deprived High School Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i4.8190Keywords:
Smartphone, Sleep Deprivation, Cognitive Function, Reaction Time, High School, Smartphone BreakAbstract
The following study investigates the relationship between smartphone breaks and an increase in cognitive function
for sleep-deprived high school students. A quantitative method using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Stroop test,
and reaction time test collected data on 37 students from a Northeastern Illinois high school. Students were
administered a three-minute smartphone break in the middle of their class period to see if it had any effect on their
performance on the reaction time and Stroop test. The results suggest that there was no significant relationship
between smartphone breaks and an increase in cognitive function for sleep-deprived students. It was also concluded
that there was no significant difference between the effects of smartphone breaks on sleep-deprived and adequately
rested high school students. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed, for example,
teachers could enforce stricter cellphone policies in schools and improve mental breaks for their students by not
allowing phones during a mental break.
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