Phantom Vibration Syndrome and Problematic Smartphone Use Among University Students: Associations With Sleep Disturbance, Mental Health, and Academic Stress

Background: In a world where the mind vibrates even when the phone does not, digital habits are quietly reshaping how we rest, focus, and feel. Phantom vibration syndrome (PVS), the false sensation of a phone vibrating, and problematic smartphone use (PSU) have become increasingly common among university students. These behaviors may reflect deeper psychological conditioning linked to anxiety, poor sleep, and stress, yet they remain underexplored from a public health perspective. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 553 university students to examine the prevalence and correlates of PVS and PSU. Standardized scales measured sleep disturbance, anxiety symptoms, and academic stress. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). An open-ended question invited students to share strategies for managing smartphone use, and responses were analyzed thematically to identify recurring digital well-being themes. Results: Phantom vibrations were reported by 41.4% of participants, with 22% experiencing them occasionally and 5.4% frequently. More than half (54.8%) reported fatigue and poor sleep. Higher PSU scores were significantly associated with anxiety (p<0.01) and sleep disturbance (p<0.05). Qualitative insights revealed three consistent coping patterns: digital detox routines, environmental changes, and structured daily activities that limited device use. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the modern student's constant connectivity has subtle but measurable effects on mental and physical well-being. By treating digital balance as an essential health behavior, similar to sleep hygiene or nutrition, universities can help protect students from the psychological fatigue of always being online. Addressing PVS and PSU through awareness and behavioral interventions should be considered a public health priority for the digital age.