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01-05-2019 | Original Article

Trends in sleeping difficulties among European adolescents: Are these associated with physical inactivity and excessive screen time?

Authors: Ariane Ghekiere, Jelle Van Cauwenberg, Ann Vandendriessche, Joanna Inchley, Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Alberto Borraccino, Inese Gobina, Jorma Tynjälä, Benedicte Deforche, Bart De Clercq

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Objectives

We examined changes in sleep-onset difficulties over time and associations with physical activity and screen time behavior among adolescents.

Methods

We used data from last four survey waves of the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study (2002–2006–2010–2014). Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore associations between regular sleeping difficulties, excessive screen time exposure and being insufficiently physically active (i.e., < 60 min daily) among 33 European and non-European countries.

Results

Findings indicate an increase in the prevalence of sleep-onset difficulties and in excessive screen time exposure and a small but significant increase in physical activity levels. Additionally, adolescents exceeding 2-h daily screen time had 20% higher odds of reporting sleep-onset difficulties, while no association was found for physical activity. The strength of the association between screen time and sleep-onset difficulties increased over time, which may reflect a change in type of screen time use (e.g., the increased use of easy accessible screens such as smartphones and tablets).

Conclusions

Effective strategies to reduce screen time are key to reverse the detrimental trend in sleep-onset difficulties among adolescents.

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Title: Trends in sleeping difficulties among European adolescents: Are these associated with physical inactivity and excessive screen time?
Authors: Ariane Ghekiere
Jelle Van Cauwenberg
Ann Vandendriessche
Joanna Inchley
Margarida Gaspar de Matos
Alberto Borraccino
Inese Gobina
Jorma Tynjälä
Benedicte Deforche
Bart De Clercq
Publication date: 01-05-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-018-1188-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Trends in sleeping difficulties among European adolescents: Are these associated with physical inactivity and excessive screen time?

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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