Longitudinal analysis of the bidirectional relationship between screen time and sleep: Exploring the role of physical activity.

BACKGROUND

Excessive screen time and poor sleep duration have significant implications for children's health and well-being. Understanding the dynamic relationship between screen time and sleep duration, as well as the impact of physical activity in this relationship, is essential for promoting healthy behaviours. The aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the bidirectional relationship between screen time and sleep duration in children, and 2) explore the mediating role of physical activity in these associations.

METHODS

Data were from 2064 children (47 % girls) who responded to time-use diaries at waves 3 (age 5), 6 (age 10), and 7 (age 12) of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Cross-lagged panel modelling was conducted to test bidirectional associations between screen time and sleep duration, with the mediating role of physical activity assessed using a lagged mediation model.

RESULTS

A bidirectional association between screen time and sleep duration across ages 10 to 12 was observed. Screen time at 10 years of age was associated with sleep duration at 12 years of age (β = -0.071 [95%CI, -0.114 to -0.015]), and sleep duration at 10 years of age was associated with screen time at 12 years of age (β = -0.048 [95%CI, -0.087 to -0.002]). Moreover, increased levels of physical activity at age 12 reduced the negative impact of both screen time on sleep duration and sleep duration on screen time during the ages of 10 and 12.

CONCLUSION

Findings highlight a cyclical influence where each factor impacts the other over time. Interventions aimed at reducing screen time and increasing physical activity may help mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time on sleep.