Digital Screen Addiction and Sleep Quality in AdolescentsDIGIDETOX-RCTNCT07555834
The Impact of Digital Detox Training on Screen Use, Sleep Quality, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Adolescents
A study testing Digital Detox Intervention in people with Digital Screen Addiction and Sleep Quality in Adolescents, run by Şırnak Üniversitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study evaluates the effects of a digital detox program on screen time, sleep quality, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents aged 10-19 years. Excessive use of smartphones and digital devices is associated with poor sleep quality, reduced well-being, and impaired daily functioning. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 19 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Digital Screen Addiction and Sleep Quality in Adolescents
- What is being tested?
- Digital Detox Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 160 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jan 2026to 12 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 10 to 19 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Inclusion Criteria Aged 10-19 years Smartphone user At least 3 hours of daily screen time Willing to participate in the digital detox program Written informed consent and parental consent obtained No diagnosed chronic medical condition or sleep disorder Exclusion Criteria Outside the age range (10-19 years) Does not use a smartphone Daily screen time less than 3 hours Diagnosed chronic medical illness (e.g., diabetes, asthma, epilepsy) Diagnosed sleep disorder Current psychiatric treatment or medication use Previous participation in a similar digital detox or sleep intervention Unable to attend intervention sessions regularly Refusal to complete study assessments
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Şırnak University, Vocational School of Health Services
Şırnak, Merkez, 73000
About this study
Official title: Effects of Digital Detox Training on Screen Use, Sleep Quality, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study evaluates the effects of a digital detox program on screen time, sleep quality, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents aged 10-19 years. Excessive use of smartphones and digital devices is associated with poor sleep quality, reduced well-being, and impaired daily functioning.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either a digital detox intervention group or a control group. The intervention consists of ten weekly 60-minute sessions designed to reduce screen time, increase awareness of digital media use, and improve sleep hygiene. The control group will not receive any intervention.
Data will be collected at baseline and approximately 10 weeks after the intervention using standardized questionnaires and screen time measures. The study aims to evaluate whether a structured digital detox program improves behavioral and sleep-related outcomes in adolescents.
Read the detailed description
Digital screen use has become a central part of daily life worldwide, particularly among adolescents. Excessive screen exposure has been associated with sleep disturbances, psychological distress, and reduced academic performance.
Previous studies have demonstrated associations between problematic smartphone use and poor sleep quality, with pre-sleep behaviors acting as a mediating factor. Digital detox interventions, defined as structured reductions in digital device use, have been reported to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and support healthier behavioral patterns.
However, there is limited experimental evidence evaluating structured digital detox programs in adolescent populations within educational settings. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of a structured digital detox program on screen use behavior, sleep quality, and lifestyle outcomes among adolescents.
- Being tested
- Digital Detox Intervention
- Keywords
- Digital screen addiction, sleep quality, digital detox intervention, smartphone overuse
- Medical subject headings
- Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Digital Detox InterventionBehavioural
Behavioral Intervention: Digital Detox Program A structured 10-week program delivered in weekly 60-minute sessions. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral strategies, reduction of screen use behaviors, goal setting, self-monitoring, and sleep hygiene training. Participants track daily screen time and receive guided feedback.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Detox Intervention | Experimental | Arm 1: Experimental - Digital Detox Intervention Participants receive a structured 10-week digital detox program consisting of weekly 60-minute sessions including psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, goal setting, self-monitoring, and sleep hygiene education. Receives: Behavioral: Digital Detox Intervention |
| Control Group | No intervention | Arm 2: Control - No Intervention Participants continue their usual daily routine and receive no structured intervention during the study period. Assessments are completed at scheduled time points. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes in Multi-Screen Addiction Levels
Participants' levels of problematic multiscreen use will be assessed using the total score of the Multiscreen Addiction Scale. Higher scores indicate higher levels of problematic screen use. Changes will be evaluated by comparing baseline and post-intervention measurements following a 10-week digital detox program.
Measured: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Changes in the Level of Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle
Healthy and sustainable lifestyle behaviors will be assessed using the total score of the Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle Scale (range: 24 to 120). Higher scores indicate healthier and more sustainable lifestyle behaviors. Changes will be evaluated by comparing baseline and post-intervention measurements.
Measured: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Changes in Sleep Quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI)
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total score (range: 0 to 21). Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality. A score greater than 5 indicates poor sleep quality. Changes will be evaluated by comparing baseline and post-intervention measurements.
Measured: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Apr 2026
- Study start1 Jan 2026
- Primary completion12 Apr 2026
- Study completion12 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Digital Screen Addiction and Sleep Quality in AdolescentsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in parallel to either a digital detox intervention group receiving a structured behavioral program or a control group receiving no intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 160 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Şırnak Üniversitesi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, HÜSEYİN ÇAPUK, Şırnak Üniversitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07555834
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SIRNAKUNI-DIGIDETOX-2025
- Acronym
- DIGIDETOX-RCT
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 29 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The data collected in this study include participants' personal and sensitive behavioral information. Individual-level raw data will not be shared with other researchers due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. Data will be analyzed within the scope of this study and reported in aggregate form. No personally identifiable information will be disclosed. All data will be stored in encrypted and password-protected systems.
Publications
Ağargün, M. Y. K., Hayrettin. Anlar, Ömer. (1996). Pittsburgh uyku kalitesi indeksinin gecerligi ve guvenirligi. Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 7, 107-115. Akram, B., Irshad, S., Nazim, H., Waheed, A., & Riaz, S. (2025). Effect of Digital Detoxification on Sleep quality and Cognitive Performance: A Newer Intervention Trent in Current Era. Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), 14(2), 26-29. Amez, S., & Baert, S. (2020). Smartphone use and academic performance: A literature review. International Journal of Educational Research, 103, 101618. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101618 Bozkurt, A., Demirdöğen, E. Y., & Akıncı, M. A. (2024). The Association Between Bedtime Procrastination, Sleep Quality, and Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents: A Mediation Analysis. Eurasian J Med, 56(1), 69-75. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23379 Brockmeier, L. C., Keller, J., Dingler, T., Paduszynska, N., Luszczynska, A., & Radtke, T. (2025). Planning a digital detox: Findings from a randomized controlled trial to reduce smartphone usage time. Computers in human behavior, 168, 108624. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2025.108624 Buysse, D. J., Reynolds III, C. F., Monk, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Research, 28(2), 193-213. Choi, S., & Feinberg, R. A. (2021). The LOHAS (lifestyle of health and sustainability) scale development and validation. Sustainability, 13(4), 1598. Gökkaya, D. (2024). Sağlıklı ve Sürdürülebilir Yaşam Tarzı Ölçeği: Türkçe Geçerlilik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 13(3), 1173-1191. Kemp, S. (2025). Digital 2025: Global Overview Report. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-global-overview-report Accessed 24.10.2025 Moody, R. (2025). Screen Time Statistics: Average Screen Time by Country. https://www.comparitech.com/tv-streaming/screen-time-stati
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 29 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Digital Detox Training on Screen Use, Sleep Quality, and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07555834
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DIGIDETOX-RCT / SIRNAKUNI-DIGIDETOX-2025
- Keywords
- Digital screen addiction, sleep quality, digital detox intervention, smartphone overuse
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 160 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Şırnak ÜniversitesiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 12 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 12 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study evaluates the effects of a digital detox program on screen time, sleep quality, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among adolescents aged 10-19 years. Excessive use of smartphones and digital devices is associated with poor sleep quality, reduced well-being, and impaired daily functioning.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either a digital detox intervention group or a control group. The intervention consists of ten weekly 60-minute sessions designed to reduce screen time, increase awareness of digital media use, and improve sleep hygiene. The control group will not receive any intervention.
Data will be collected at baseline and approximately 10 weeks after the intervention using standardized questionnaires and screen time measures. The study aims to evaluate whether a structured digital detox program improves behavioral and sleep-related outcomes in adolescents.
Detailed description
Digital screen use has become a central part of daily life worldwide, particularly among adolescents. Excessive screen exposure has been associated with sleep disturbances, psychological distress, and reduced academic performance.
Previous studies have demonstrated associations between problematic smartphone use and poor sleep quality, with pre-sleep behaviors acting as a mediating factor. Digital detox interventions, defined as structured reductions in digital device use, have been reported to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and support healthier behavioral patterns.
However, there is limited experimental evidence evaluating structured digital detox programs in adolescent populations within educational settings. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of a structured digital detox program on screen use behavior, sleep quality, and lifestyle outcomes among adolescents.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in parallel to either a digital detox intervention group receiving a structured behavioral program or a control group receiving no intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Detox Intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: Digital Detox InterventionArm 1: Experimental - Digital Detox Intervention Participants receive a structured 10-week digital detox program consisting of weekly 60-minute sessions including psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, goal setting, self-monitoring, and sleep hygiene education. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Arm 2: Control - No Intervention Participants continue their usual daily routine and receive no structured intervention during the study period. Assessments are completed at scheduled time points. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 19 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Detox InterventionBehavioral Intervention: Digital Detox Program A structured 10-week program delivered in weekly 60-minute sessions. The program includes psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral strategies, reduction of screen use behaviors, goal setting, self-monitoring, and sleep hygiene training. Participants track daily screen time and receive guided feedback. | Behavioural | Digital Detox Intervention |
Primary outcome
Changes in Multi-Screen Addiction Levels
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Participants' levels of problematic multiscreen use will be assessed using the total score of the Multiscreen Addiction Scale. Higher scores indicate higher levels of problematic screen use. Changes will be evaluated by comparing baseline and post-intervention measurements following a 10-week digital detox program.
2 secondary outcomes
Changes in the Level of Healthy and Sustainable Lifestyle
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Changes in Sleep Quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI)
Time frame: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 29 Apr 2026.
- BackgroundAğargün, M. Y. K., Hayrettin. Anlar, Ömer. (1996). Pittsburgh uyku kalitesi indeksinin gecerligi ve guvenirligi. Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 7, 107-115. Akram, B., Irshad, S., Nazim, H., Waheed, A., & Riaz, S. (2025). Effect of Digital Detoxification on Sleep quality and Cognitive Performance: A Newer Intervention Trent in Current Era. Bulletin of Business and Economics (BBE), 14(2), 26-29. Amez, S., & Baert, S. (2020). Smartphone use and academic performance: A literature review. International Journal of Educational Research, 103, 101618. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2020.101618 Bozkurt, A., Demirdöğen, E. Y., & Akıncı, M. A. (2024). The Association Between Bedtime Procrastination, Sleep Quality, and Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents: A Mediation Analysis. Eurasian J Med, 56(1), 69-75. https://doi.org/10.5152/eurasianjmed.2024.23379 Brockmeier, L. C., Keller, J., Dingler, T., Paduszynska, N., Luszczynska, A., & Radtke, T. (2025). Planning a digital detox: Findings from a randomized controlled trial to reduce smartphone usage time. Computers in human behavior, 168, 108624. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2025.108624 Buysse, D. J., Reynolds III, C. F., Monk, T. H., Berman, S. R., & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index: a new instrument for psychiatric practice and research. Psychiatry Research, 28(2), 193-213. Choi, S., & Feinberg, R. A. (2021). The LOHAS (lifestyle of health and sustainability) scale development and validation. Sustainability, 13(4), 1598. Gökkaya, D. (2024). Sağlıklı ve Sürdürülebilir Yaşam Tarzı Ölçeği: Türkçe Geçerlilik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması. İnsan ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 13(3), 1173-1191. Kemp, S. (2025). Digital 2025: Global Overview Report. https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-global-overview-report Accessed 24.10.2025 Moody, R. (2025). Screen Time Statistics: Average Screen Time by Country. https://www.comparitech.com/tv-streaming/screen-time-stati
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The data collected in this study include participants' personal and sensitive behavioral information. Individual-level raw data will not be shared with other researchers due to privacy and confidentiality concerns. Data will be analyzed within the scope of this study and reported in aggregate form. No personally identifiable information will be disclosed. All data will be stored in encrypted and password-protected systems.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Digital Detox Intervention in people with Digital Screen Addiction and Sleep Quality in Adolescents, run by Şırnak Üniversitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes in Multi-Screen Addiction Levels (time frame: Baseline and approximately 10 weeks post-intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07555834, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Apr 2026.