Media Use, Sleep Quality, and ADHD Symptoms in a Community Sample and a Sample of ADHD Patients Aged 8 to 18 Years

Abstract

Objective: Relationships between sleep, screen-based media, and ADHD symptomatology were investigated using a case- and community-based approach. Method: N = 357 healthy and N = 61 children with ADHD (12.72 ± 2.83 years) completed a sleep and media questionnaire. To measure ADHD symptomatology, parents filled out the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal behavior (SWAN) scale. Two samples were formed: a matched ( N = 61 patients and N = 61 controls) and a community sample ( N = 357 healthy participants and N = 20 patients). Results: Compared with controls, participants with ADHD reported delayed sleep onset and more screen time on school days. Adolescent patients showed more behavior promoting delayed sleep phase. In the community sample, media time, sleep deviation, and circadian rhythm were correlated with ADHD symptomatology. Furthermore, media time, sleep-wake behavior, and sleep deviation were predictive of ADHD symptomatology (variance explained = 4%-15%). Conclusion: Longer media time and inadequate sleep-wake behavior increase the risk of ADHD-like symptoms. However, research using objective assessments is needed to disentangle this distinct association and to provide possible directions for intervention.

The Role of Sleep Duration and Sleep Problems During Childhood in the Development of ADHD in Adolescence: Findings From a Population-Based Birth Cohort

“…Indeed, although the literature shows the association between sleep duration and ADHD, most of the previous studies presented no adjusted analyses or utilized an insufficient/inadequate control method (Scott et al, 2013; Williams & Sciberras, 2016). Although we cannot rule out the potential role of unfavorable sleep–wake behavior or variability in sleep schedules, which have already been reported in ADHD (Craig et al, 2017; Scott et al, 2013; Thoma et al, 2018), for the few associations observed for shorter nocturnal and greater daytime sleep duration at 48 months, confounding seems to be an important issue in the current literature. Future studies should more thoroughly explore this issue to report adequate estimates.…”

Insomnia Disorder in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Patients: Clinical, Comorbidity, and Treatment Correlates

“…Exposure to blue light from these devices has been associated with a greater alteration of circadian rhythms, as well as a higher prevalence of sleep-onset insomnia and poorer sleep quality ( 64 ). Some authors point out an excessive use of technology at night in the ADHD population ( 65 ).…”

Physical Health, Media Use, and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents With ADHD During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia

“…The changes in routine, structure, and social contact associated with COVID-19 restrictions, as well as increasing uncertainty, may exacerbate ADHD symptoms and associated problems ( Cortina et al, 2020 ). Furthermore, more time inside and fewer opportunities for exercise may contribute to a worsening of sleep problems ( Becker & Gregory, 2020 ) and increased media use in children with ADHD; aspects of life that are that are commonly challenging for families of children with ADHD to regulate ( Cortese et al, 2013 ; Thoma et al, 2020 ). Positives may also be experienced as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions.…”