In contemporary society, sleep deprivation has become a

pervasive concern, particularly among senior high school (SHS)

students, with factors such as gadget usage and academic demands
playing significant roles. This qualitative phenomenological study
aims to explore the lived experiences of STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) strand students, specifically focusing
on the intricate interplay between gadget utilization, academic
pressure, and sleep quality.

Senior high school students often grapple with significant

pressures in their academic pursuits, particularly those in the STEM
strand, as they navigate the complexities of university applications
and future career paths. The relentless academic and extra-curricular
demands placed on these students contribute to a heightened sense of
stress. This stress is further compounded by the pervasive use of
screen-based gadgets such as cellphones, which have become integral
to their daily lives.

Sleep deprivation has evolved into a widespread issue globally,

with statistics highlighting its alarming prevalence among high school
students. For instance, studies show that 73% of high school students
in the United States do not get adequate sleep (Dornbierer, 2022),
while figures from NU-Nazareth indicate that 67% of senior high
school students in STEM sleep for only 4 to 6 hours (Figure 2:
Percentage of Sleep Hours of SHS Students, n.d.). Moreover, in the
Philippines, the 2016 Healthy Living Index Survey revealed that
Filipinos have some of the highest rates of sleep deprivation in Asia,
with 46% reporting inadequate sleep and 32% sleeping for less than
six hours (Sleep deprivations' health effects on people’s lives, 2021).

This qualitative phenomenological study aims to explore the

lived experiences of STEM strand students, with a specific focus on
the complex relationship between gadget utilization, academic
pressure, and sleep quality. Phenomenology serves as an appropriate
framework for this investigation, allowing for an in-depth examination
of individuals' subjective experiences and perceptions regarding these
interconnected phenomena.

Furthermore, this study seeks to investigate STEM strand

students' perceptions and experiences concerning their gadget usage
for academic purposes. It also aims to understand the coping
strategies and mechanisms employed by these students to manage the
effects of gadget utilization and academic pressure on sleep quality.

The objectives of this study are as follows:

 1. To explore and analyze the experiences and perceptions of
STEM strand students regarding gadget utilization for academic
purposes.
2. To investigate the sources, manifestations, and impacts of
academic pressure on the sleep quality of STEM strand students.

Understanding the intricate dynamics between gadget

utilization, academic pressure, and sleep quality among STEM strand
students holds significant implications for educational stakeholders,
including educators, parents, and policymakers. By gaining insights
into students' lived experiences, this study aims to inform the
development of targeted interventions and support mechanisms to
promote healthy technology use, alleviate academic stress, and
enhance sleep hygiene among STEM strand students.