Association between Sleep Habits and Problems and Internet Addiction in Adolescents

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between sleep habits and problems and Internet addiction in adolescents. METHODS: Junior high school students from a local town in Japan (n=853; male/female, 425/428) were the subjects of this study, and were assessed for severity of Internet addiction and sleep habits and problems using the self-reported version of the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Child and Adolescent Sleep Checklist (CASC). RESULTS: The wake time on weekdays was not significantly different among the three groups; addicted, possibly-addicted, and non-addicted. In the addicted group, the total night sleep time was significantly shorter, and the bedtime was significantly delayed on both weekdays and weekends compared with those in the possibly-addicted and non-addicted groups. The wake time of the addicted group was significantly later than that of the other groups. The total scores of sleep problems measured by the CASC were significantly higher in the addicted and possibly-addicted groups than in the non-addicted group. CONCLUSION: Internet addiction is strongly associated with sleep habits and problems in adolescents. These findings suggest that internet addiction should be considered while examining adolescent lifestyle.

Relationship between Internet Game Addiction and Psychiatric Symptoms in a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between internet game addiction and psychiatric symptoms. METHODS: A total of 447 adolescents who were recruited from a child and adolescent psychiatric clinic of university hospital completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of Korean Internet Addiction Self-scale (K-scale), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Korean-Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (K-ARS), and Adolescent Happiness Index (AHI). They were classified into three internet user groups, non-addicted group (below or equal to 94), potential risk group (95 to 107) and high risk group (above or equal to 108) according to K-scale total score. RESULTS: Significant mean differences in BDI, BAI, K-ARS, and AHI scores were observed among the three groups. The BDI, BAI and K-ARS scores showed positive correlation with K-score. The AHI score showed negative correlation with K-score. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study suggest that depression, anxiety, inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and happiness are associated with internet game addiction.