Problematic internet use and sleep quality in university students: Serial mediation of physical pain intensity and mental well-being

Sleep quality plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and psychological well-being. However, sleep disturbances are increasingly prevalent among university students due to academic stress, irregular sleep schedules, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to examine the serial mediating roles of physical pain intensity and mental well-being in the relationship between problematic internet use (PIU) and sleep quality. The sample consisted of 410 Turkish university students (295 females, 72.0%; 115 males, 28.0%) reflecting the gender distribution of health-related academic programs. Serial mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro (Model 6) was conducted. The findings revealed that PIU was positively associated with poorer sleep quality, with a significant serial indirect effect through physical pain intensity and mental well-being. These results highlight the intertwined physical and psychological mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances among university students.