30.1 DIGITAL MEDIA AND SLEEP HEALTH AMONG ADOLESCENTS: DOES SLEEP MEDIATE THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SCREEN TIME AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS?

Abstract

Given the pervasive use of screen-based media and the high prevalence of insufficient sleep among adolescents, we will review the evidence linking both and we will present new findings. Numerous studies find an adverse association between screen-based media use and sleep, primarily via delayed bedtimes and reduced total sleep duration. Underlying mechanisms include: 1) time displacement (ie, time spent on screens replaces time spent sleeping and other activities); 2) psychological stimulation from the media content; and 3) effects of light emitted from devices on circadian timing, sleep physiology, and alertness. We hypothesize that sleep plays a mediating role in the association between screen use and depressive symptoms, but limited prior research has examined this question. In this study, we examine the associations between 4 types of screen-based activities and depressive symptoms among adolescents, and investigate whether sleep characteristics (eg, insomnia symptoms and duration) mediate these associations.