A Network Approach to Sleep Problems and Symptom Activation in Internet Gaming Disorder

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been linked with various sleep-related issues, such as poorer quality sleep, prolonged sleep latency, shortened sleep duration, insomnia, and fatigue. However, the interaction between IGD criteria and Sleeping Problems (SP), as well as the specific impact of distinct SP on IGD symptoms, remains largely unexplored. Understanding these interactions could be crucial for insights into the development and maintenance of IGD symptoms and related comorbidities. Thus, this study aimed to unravel the interactions among specific SP and IGD criteria, and examining the distinct impact of each SP on IGD criteria. 

 

The study involved 101 Portuguese gamers, predominantly male (93.1%, n = 94) with an average age of 26.81 (SD = 7.51). Most participants identified as amateur players (80.2%, n = 81), dedicating 1 to 4 hours daily to video gaming (60.4%, n = 61). 

 

To assess IGD was used the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) and to assess SP was used the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A Mixed Graphical Model was used to map the network of interactions between IGD symptoms and SP. Expected Symptom Activity was used to analyze the impact of specific SP (subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration) on IGD symptoms. 

 

The findings highlight 'loss of control' as the central node in the IGD and SP network, underscoring its pivotal role. Additionally, the study revealed that 'sleep quality' exhibits a remedial effect on IGD, suggesting that targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality may mitigate the intensity of IGD symptoms.