Examining the Effect of Internet Use on Exercise Attitudes and Sleep Quality of Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences

The convenience and quick access provided by the internet have made it indispensable for many people. However, the excessive amount of time spent on the internet has led to the phenomenon known as "Internet Addiction." Internet addiction is characterized by an inability to distance oneself from internet use even if desired, spending more time online than initially planned, lying to spend more time on the internet, neglecting responsibilities due to internet use, and experiencing social isolation.

Internet addiction among health sciences students is a significant concern due to its potential impact on general health and academic performance. As the level of internet addiction increases among students, sleep quality and exercise behaviors, which are crucial for health, may be adversely affected. Insufficient, irregular, and poor-quality sleep can lead to sleep disorders, which in turn are significant public health concerns due to their association with incidents like traffic and work accidents. Furthermore, sleep disorders can negatively affect academic success.

Understanding the factors influencing internet addiction behaviors among health sciences students is essential for developing targeted interventions and educational programs to address these issues effectively. Engaging in regular sports and exercise from childhood to adolescence and into old age is crucial for maintaining physical health. It is well known that regular and consistent exercise helps protect against diseases and maintains body weight. Research indicates that regular physical activity can control blood pressure and blood sugar, reduce the risk of colon cancer and coronary heart disease, and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Regular physical activity has numerous physiological benefits and also positively impacts mental and emotional health.

University students, who are transitioning into adulthood, may experience significant physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. During this period, various factors may cause issues such as poor sleep quality among university students. Sleep quality is defined as feeling refreshed, fit, and ready for a new day upon waking.

Therefore, it is essential to determine the levels of internet addiction and sleep problems among university students, assess their perceptions and attitudes towards physical activity and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, and provide proper guidance and encouragement.