•  
  •  
 

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Abstract

Existing research has shown that screen-based sedentary behaviors may adversely affect children’s and adolescents’ sleep. However, the specific impact of different types of screen-based sedentary behaviors on sleep remains unclear. This two-year nationwide cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate the influence of various online screen-based sedentary behaviors on children’s and adolescents’ sleep. Method: Drawing on data from the China Family Panel Studies, questionnaire surveys were administered in 2020 and 2022 to 4,506 participants aged 10–18 years. Participants who reported sleeping fewer than eight hours per day were classified as having insufficient sleep. The frequencies of online gaming, online shopping, online learning, WeChat use, and short-video viewing were assessed via questionnaires. Three generalized linear logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the effects of these behaviors: Model 1 did not control for any additional variables, Model 2 controlled for four sociodemographic factors (gender, age, urban/rural residence, and school level), and Model 3 further controlled for exercise frequency. The results of Model 1 indicated that, compared with those who did not engage in online shopping, children and adolescents who participated in online shopping 60% to experience insufficient sleep (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.44–1.75). Similarly, compared with those who never used WeChat, those who had previously used WeChat 67% to have insufficient sleep (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.42–1.93). After controlling for gender, age, urban/rural residence, and school level, the negative association between online shopping and insufficient sleep remained significant, with shopping online linked to insufficient sleep (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.36). After additionally accounting for exercise frequency, online gaming was associated with18% higher risk of insufficient sleep (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.33), whereas online shopping showed22% of insufficient sleep (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38). Insufficient sleep (fewer than eight hours per day) among children and adolescents is differentially influenced by specific types of screen-based sedentary behaviors. Notably, online shopping, WeChat use, and online gaming demonstrated negative effects on sleep duration. Future policies aimed at regulating screen time and promoting healthy sleep in youth should thus focus on the distinct impacts of various screen use behaviors and develop targeted intervention strategies accordingly.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.5.1.148.boisestate

Download

Share

COinS