Computing Research Project (L5): Digital Tech and Sleep Quality

This computing research project, conducted at Level 5, investigates the impact of digital technologies on human sleep quality and associated health problems. The project aims to analyze the relationship between digital technology and sleeplessness, measure the effects on sleep quality, and recommend strategies to address related physical and psychological issues. The research employs an interpretivist philosophy and a mixed research approach, including literature review and a questionnaire survey to collect data from a sample of 30 participants. The methodology involves qualitative research methods to gather detailed information on the impact of digital technology, with a focus on data collection, analysis, and sampling techniques. The literature review explores the impact of digital technology on sleep quality, including the effects of screen time and the complexity of technology usage, as well as the effect of digital technology on physical and psychological health. The project aims to provide insights into the effects of digital technology on sleep and to propose strategies to mitigate the negative impacts.

Computing Research Project (L5)
Contents
Chapter 1 3
Title 3
Introduction 3
Research Aim 4
Research Objectives 4
Research Philosophy 5
Research Approach 5
Methodology 6
Research Strategy 7
Gantt Chart 8
Chapter 2 9
Literature review 9
Chapter 3 13
Rationale 13
My Questionnaire 14
Chapter 4 19
References 20
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Chapter 1
Title
What impact will future digital tech have on human sleep quality
Introduction
Computing research is exploring different projects that are associated with technology and
among them are projects that investigate the impact of technologies on human health,
particularly on sleep quality (Judge, 2019). The primary aim of the computing research
association is to govern the projects to strengthen the research. The advanced education in
the field of computing is related to this, as its mission is to execute the research on
computing in a wider way (Skuda, et. al., 2018). The professional development of computing
research also depends on testimonies to justify the computing research projects (Kumar, et.
al., 2019).
The use of digital technology has been associated with lack of attention, aggressive
behavior, physical inactivity and sleep problems. The overuse of digital technology cause
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people because they can use their time inefficiently. It is mainly concerned about the
cognitive as well as emotional effects on the human being.
In this report, few tasks will be conducted in order to reach the objectives of the assignment
– gaining knowledge on the relation between technology and sleep quality. The report will
describe the use of digital technology that will change the entire physical activity which is
being investigated through the research project. In another way, it will examine excessive
use of technology which results in sleeplessness. This is the one of the major problems
which directly impacts on the sleeplessness and is associated with human health. The sleep
of users can be studied through experiments or questionnaires.
Research Aim
To analyse the impact of digital technologies on the sleeplessness and the health problems
associated with it.
Research Objectives
● To investigate digital technologies and their relationship with sleeplessness and
associated health problems.
● To analyse the impact of systematic use of digital technologies on sleeplessness
and health problems
● To measure the effects which digital technology causes on human sleep quality.
● To determine the complexity of usage of digital technology.
● To collect data using questionnaire survey.
● To recommend strategies which overcome the physical and psychological health
problems.
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Research Significance
The importance of research is to investigate about the current impact of excessive and
uncontrollable use of digit tech on the sleeplessness and to identify the various problems
related on the physical and psychological health. The researcher will understand the concept
of digital technology and identify the extreme effects on the human body. The researcher will
evaluate the significance of the project while identifying impact on sleep quality, duration on
the growth and well-being (Tuck Sleep,2019).
Research Philosophy
It refers as belief, assumption related to the project study which highly impacts on the overall
structure, pattern of the project. There are different types of philosophy such as positivism,
interpretivism and pragmatism.
Interpretivism philosophy, mainly used to define behaviour, was chosen to interpret the
elements of the study in the research process.
An interpretivist approach is an approach to direct research that incorporates the scientist's
emotional investigation as a significant viewpoint. This kind of research depends on
understanding the point of view of research subjects.
While many research ventures start with a speculation and work to demonstrate or discredit
that unique hypothesis, an interpretivist approach lets the outcomes advance normally from
the examination. This distinction the hugeness the specialists place on significant human
activities and their verifiable setting.
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Research Approach
It is based on the procedure and plan that consists of various step of assumption to detailed
manner. There are two types of research approach such as deductive and inductive.
To focus on the pre-existing data, both approaches will be used in the research project. As
part of the inductive methods, a literature review will be conducted where the relevant
findings in previous studies will be used for the development of the survey and the
conclusions of this report. Deductive approach is a survey itself because researcher’s
gathered data is analysed in statistical manner.
The design selected for the present research is an exploratory design that will enable the
researcher to explore the problems associated with the research question and thereafter
reach the conclusion regarding the statement of problem.
For the completion of the research project the researcher has adopted for the qualitative
approach for undertaking the further analysis in a flawless manner. The adoption of the
qualitative approach for completion of the research project has enabled the researcher to
collect detailed information regarding the feelings, perceptions, opinions of the distinct
individuals associated with the research project (Quinlan, et al., 2019).
Methodology
For the attainment of adequate results for the research project and accomplishment of the
aims and objectives of the research project it is very much essential that the research
methods and techniques are selected in an adequate manner (Flick, 2019).
Research methodology is a type of systematic process that is mainly used to identify the
information or data. It mainly comprises with theoretical aspects for gathering and collecting
large amount of data by using research method.
Research Method
It can be defined as a process that is mainly used for gathering large amount of information
related to the case study. It can be classified into two different groups: Qualitative and
Quantitative research method.
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Qualitative research includes case studies, field studies, grounded theory, document studies,
naturalistic Inquiry, observational studies, inte1'view studies, and descriptive studies.
Qualitative research is a logical strategy for perception to accumulate non-numerical
information, while concentrating on importance making. ... Subjective research approaches
are utilized across numerous scholastic orders, concentrating especially on the human
components of the social and common sciences.
It is utilized to increase a comprehension of fundamental reasons, sentiments, and
inspirations. It gives bits of knowledge into the issue or assists with creating thoughts or
theories for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is additionally used to
reveal drifts in thought and feelings and deepen further and develop the issue.
Quantitative research, on the other hand, falls under the category of empirical studies,
according to some, or statistical studies, according to others. These designs include the
more traditional ways in which psychology and Behavioural science have carried out
investigations. Quantitative designs include experimental studies, quasi-experimental
studies, pre-test-post-test designs, and others.
Quantitative research is used to quantify practice, suppositions, points of view, and various
elements for a greater group of people.
In spite of the fact that there are numerous different techniques to gather quantitative
information, those referenced above likelihood examining, interviews, poll perception, and
record survey are the most well-known and generally utilized strategies either offline or for
online information assortment.
Quantitative strategies accentuate target estimations and the measurable, scientific, or
numerical examination of information gathered through surveys, polls, and reviews, or by
controlling previous information utilizing computational methods.
Qualitative research method will be used for this research project.
A questionnaire for identifying data or information will be created.
Research Strategy
Data collection
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It is based on the method or process of gathering from relevant source to identify the
accurate answer through research problem. It can be classified into two types: primary and
secondary.
It was chosen primary data collection method for collecting information about research
project by using questionnaires, survey.
Data analysis
It is based on the process for analysing data or information within research case study.
Qualitative research method was chosen.
Sampling
It can be defined as a principle that mainly used to select the members of population
included in the case study. The size of sample is 30 people. It was chosen simple random
technique.
Gantt Chart
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Chapter 2
Literature review
Theme: 1 To analyse the impact of systematic use of digital technologies on sleeplessness
and health problems.
"Sleep is the foundation of all physical and mental health essentially’’ (Johnson, 2019). This
is the opinion of South Australian sleep researcher Dr Sarah Blunden and it is also at the
centre of this research.
As the article notes, the need for sleep in adults is between 7 and 8 hours, while in the
younger generation it is on average 10 hours (Johnson, 2019). Teenagers should therefore
have more sleep on average than adults.
Over the last decade, more and more parents have been having issues with overactive and
excited young children. Quite several distinguished professionals are of the opinion that this
may be due to the impact of digital technology, perhaps the irradiation from the screens of
these devices. This is shared by Dr Chris Seton. According to his theory, "The screens not
only take away sleep because they take up time, but they make kids more wakeful, and the
more wakeful they are, the more activity they do, so it's a vicious cycle" (Johnson, 2019).
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Digital technology connects us to the rest of the world, but at the same time it may takes a
lot of our time to rest.
According to Adams and Kisler (2013) people use digital technology which makes it harder
to drop off sleep and reduce the quality of sleep. The small amount of light from electronic
devices pass and retain into different part of the hypothalamus. Afterwards, it directly
impacts on the areas of the brain which controls sleep activities. It also delays releasing of
sleeping inducing hormones, especially melatonin. This concept attempts are to describe
about the high prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness in different ages category.
Furthermore, the rate of obesity in children has increased in last 20 years. For healthy
development of children, it requires the daily physical activities, social skills. Sometimes,
excessive use of technology is linked to lifetime cardiovascular problems and obesity.
Arora, Broglia and Taheri (2014) argue that use of technology has been quick and rapidly
changed the physical activities, but it is being invested as whether to use excessive
technology. Author have found that digital technology effects on the behavioural and
physiological condition of people whereas they cannot effectively manage their daily
activities on a regular basis.
Many of us complain about not having a good night's sleep. Various reasons are highlighted,
such as young children in the family, fatigue at work, stress from long commutes to work due
to busy public transportation, not good beds, and mattresses, etc. And even though these
reasons are obvious, it is necessary to look at some other not so visible reasons for not
having a good sleep. It may turn out to be more and more fast-growing digital technologies
including phones, TV, etc.
Theme: 2 complexity of usage of digital technology
According to Fuller, Lehman and Novick (2017) the digital technology has increased the
complication while increasing the chronic conditions and shortage of doctors. In another
way, digital technology has considered as potential use to enhance the capabilities and
abilities. It has undertaken to report the detailed approach to investigate the utility in day to
day activities. Furthermore, it directly effects on human physical and psychological health. It
increases the complexities such as obesity, sleeplessness, chronic diseases, heart rate
increases. These types of complication have identified when there is excessive usage of
digital technology.
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Gradisar and et al (2013) said that behavioural change has implicated as major factor which
is responsible for weight gain. It has been occurred in the in adolescence who will use
excessively mobile phones, social network. In this way, the physical activities are reduced,
and it corresponds with the increase of their sedentary activities. On the other hand, Young
generations always are attracted to the digital technology. As report by Min and et.al. (2014)
50% of children’s have used own mobile phone. Most of Parents revealed that reason for
using mobile phone are to protect and security, to maintain the contacts with family and
friends. Afterwards, it was identified that the effect of the computerized life will increase the
complexity of psychological and emotional levels. For example, it will increase stress and
nervousness that will be less in close and personal connection.
The youth generation is one of the biggest buyers of technology. An ongoing report by the
Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Centre found that by fifth grade, 40% of kids have cell
phones (Fuller et al., 2017: 1). Parents have revealed that the reason for a telephone at this
age is for security reasons or for staying in contact with the family, however numerous
guardians are giving their kids a telephone to stay in touch with school friends. Surveys from
2011 and 2013 exhibited a 5-fold increase in youngsters' access to devices (Fuller et al.,
2017: 1). The previous 2 decades have presented convenient, individualized innovation
(phones and PCs) to our public, expanding our dependence on these items for everyday
tasks. It is difficult to anticipate whether this move in innovation use will have advantageous
or destructive effects on human wellbeing (Fuller et al., 2017).
Specialists are worried about the effect computerized life will have on psychological well-
being. They are worried that we will see increase in stress, nervousness, that there will be
less up close and personal connection, expanded latency, poor in-person relational abilities,
and a general doubt among individuals (Verywell Family, 2019). Therefore, this research is
important for reducing the negative impact of technology on human sleep and general
wellbeing.
Theme 3: To measure the effects which digital technology causes on human sleep quality.
It is known that to be able to sleep soundly, our bodies must go through the process of
melatonin synthesis. It is a hormone that signals to the brain that it is time to sleep. But
staring at the bright screens of our digital devices, the light absorbed through our eyes slows
its syntheses. This makes it difficult to fall asleep. Nowadays, using increasingly
smartphones etc., we put our eyes on their bright screens, which can eventually be one of
the reasons for restless sleep.
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In this regard, convincing results were obtained from a study done by Mariana Figueiro et al.
of the Lighting Research Canter at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, namely: people who
stared at the screen constantly for two hours just before bedtime could not sleep. Their
research provides suggestions for tech manufacturers to tune the spectral power
distributions of their devices (Wood et al., 2012). Solutions to this problem were also offered
to the users, at least two hours before bedtime, stop using bright screen devices. If you read
before bed, replace the eBooks with our well-known version - the original paper book. If your
work goes on at night, use programs and applications to soften screen brightness (The
Sleep Judge, 2019).
Another problem must be addressed, too - the overloading of the brain with information. This
is a problem stemming from the constant use of telephone, laptops, tablets where we
constantly elicit information, even not so useful. Given even movies and entertainment, they
further burden our brains with information and thus deepen the problem.
And last but not least, it is a good idea to discuss the problem with the phone and its various
kinds of alarms – not only for waking up but also the endless notifications for new emails,
messages, or new posts on social media apps like Facebook and others. This further
disrupts our sleep, because our brain recognizes these signals from the daily use of
electronic devices and tries to react somehow.
This presents the issue of checking one’s phone for text messages at night since it can
disturb the sleep cycles and the artificial light can give the feeling that it is already morning
and time to wake up. A study by Adams & Kisler (2013) based on meditational analyses on
college students showed that waking up to answer one’s phone leads to low sleep quality
which accordingly leads to depression and anxiety (Adams & Kisler, 2013: 29).
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Chapter 3
System analysis and design
Rationale
A literature review is important for gaining knowledge on the topic and designing the
research and the questionnaire. After reviewing the literature, I will know what has not been
researched yet and what my questions need to inquire.
A questionnaire is good for gathering quantitative data. This survey will have rating scales
where participants can self-evaluate the impact of technology on their sleep. They will be
given a statement, e.g. “When I wake up at night and check my phone, I cannot fall back to
sleep fast” and a five-item agreement scale:
a) Fully disagree b) Disagree c) Neutral d) Agree e) Fully agree
This gives them more choices than a yes/no question. The answers will then be counted,
and a statistical overview will be provided. This survey will also gather qualitative data
through the final blank question with a free answer: “What are the positive and negative
effects of technology on your sleep?” This question aims to gather more ideas that may have
not been asked in the questionnaire.
Overall, the rationale for the topic of sleep and technology is that this is an issue that affects
many people and needs to be researched in depth in order to find solutions for sleep issues
caused by technology.
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