<![CDATA[Highlights: A correlation was found between internet addiction behavior and sleep disturbance. Excessive gadget use was significantly associated with increased sleep disturbances in children aged 9-12 years old. Cross-sectional analysis confirms the need for regulating gadget usage. Abstract Introduction: Technological advances have made gadgets common among children. However, excessive use may cause sleep disturbances. This study examined the relationship between gadget use and sleep disturbances in children aged 9-12 years old at Muhammadiyah 26 Elementary School, Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted from September 2024 to January 2025 with 77 students (n=77) selected by probability random sampling. Gadget dependency was measured using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and sleep disturbances with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests in the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30.0. The significance level was set at α=0.05, and both p and r values were reported. Results: Chi-square analysis showed significant differences in the distribution of sleep disturbance across internet addiction categories: normal (p<0.001), mild (p=0.018), and moderate (p=0.025). Spearman correlation demonstrated a significant positive association (p=0.006, r=0.285), indicating a weak positive correlation. Children who used gadgets for more than 5 hours per day were associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances. Conclusion: Excessive gadget use is associated with increased sleep disturbances among school-aged children. Strengthened parental control and school-based education are recommended to promote healthier gadget habits.]]>
