Relationship between Problematic Smartphone Use, Sleep Quality and Bedtime Procrastination: A Mediation Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between sleep quality, problematic smartphone use (PSU) and bedtime procrastination, as well as to assess gender and age differences. A total of 313 participants, aged 18–60 (M = 30 ± 10.1; 53.2% males), completed an online survey between February and May 2023 in Spain. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and Bedtime Procrastination Scale were used to measure sleep quality, PSU and bedtime procrastination, respectively. Additionally, smartphone use habits were evaluated through self-report questions. Pearson correlations, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni’s post hoc tests and mediation analysis were conducted. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between the three main variables. Independent sample t-tests indicated females were more prone to PSU along with higher overall smartphone use. Post hoc analysis of one-way ANOVA exposed age differences between young adults (18–25 years old), adults (26–44 years old) and middle-aged adults (45–60 years old) in PSU and bedtime procrastination. Finally, mediation analysis revealed that PSU had indirect effects on sleep quality through bedtime procrastination, but no direct effects on sleep quality. Therefore, PSU, and especially bedtime procrastination, should be considered as targets in future campaigns or intervention programs to improve sleep quality among the young Spanish population.

The Association Between Bedtime Procrastination, Sleep Quality, and Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescents: A Mediation Analysis

“… 44 , 45 This study confirms that bedtime procrastination plays a mediating role, as previous literature has shown a connection between bedtime procrastination and low sleep quality. 23 , 25 , 46 The literature explains bedtime procrastination associated with PSU with the nature of phone applications designed to keep users for a long time, losing time awareness while using the smartphone and taking time for oneself by using the smartphone after a busy day, smartphone use affects circadian rhythm and increased arousal pathways before sleep. 14 , 15 , 19 , 47 The indirect effects of bedtime procrastination behavior, a less explored topic in adolescents than adults, could guide future research examining mediating variables influencing sleep quality in adolescents.…”

“…Despite studies examining the mediating effect of variables such as self-regulation, bedtime procrastination, and fear of missing out on sleep quality on the effect of smartphone use in the adult age group, there are not enough studies in adolescence, which is a critical period for mental and physical development. 23 - 25 This study aimed to learn the frequency of smartphone use and types of activities in bed before sleep, the relationships, and sex differences between PSU, bedtime procrastination, and sleep quality in Turkish adolescents. In addition, the mediating effect of bedtime procrastination between PSU and sleep quality was also examined.…”

Is decreasing problematic mobile phone use a pathway for alleviating adolescent depression and sleep disorders? A randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of an eight-session mindfulness-based intervention

“…Research has demonstrated that phubbing behavior, which involves snubbing someone in a social setting by focusing on one's phone rather than engaging in direct conversation with the person present, can have a detrimental impact on individuals' relationships with their significant others ( Chotpitayasunondh & Douglas, 2018 ; Roberts & David, 2016 ). Higher levels of problematic mobile phone use are associated with greater levels of sleep interference (procrastination in bedtime scheduling), leading to more significant sleep disorders (e.g., Correa-Iriarte, Hidalgo-Fuentes, & Martí-Vilar, 2023 ; Cui et al., 2021 ; Hamvai et al., 2023 ).…”