Sleepy and Secluded: Sleep Disturbances are Associated With Connectedness in Early Adolescent Social Networks

Abstract

Studies in adults suggest that sleep disturbances predict poorer socioemotional skills and impaired social interactions. However, little is known regarding how sleep disturbances are associated with social processes during adolescence, a period when both sleep neurobiology and social relationships are undergoing dramatic developmental changes. The current study examined associations among sleep disturbances and peer connectedness in a sample of middle-school students (N = 213, 11-15 years old, 57% female) using a social network approach. Findings suggested that youth with greater sleep disturbances reported having fewer social connections, were rated as a social connection by fewer peers, and were less likely to have reciprocated nominations, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and mental health symptoms.

Keywords: early adolescence; insomnia; peer relationships; social network analysis.

Figure 1.

Early adolescents’ peer network.

Figure 2.

Significant Associations between Sleep Disturbances and Social Connectedness. Figure 2a: Associations between Sleep Disturbances and Incoming Nominations. Figure 2b: Associations between Sleep Disturbances and Outgoing Nominations. Figure 2c: Associations between Sleep Disturbances and Reciprocal Nominations.