The mediating role of emotional distress in the relationship between internet use and sleep problems

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of emotioanl distress, on the relationship between internet use and sleep problems. The sample consists of 341 participants (225 female and 114 male), between the ages 18-54. A Demographic Information Form, Internet Addiction Scale, Jenkins Sleep Scale and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21) was used. Pearson correlation coefficient, independent samples t-test, one way ANOVA test, and structural equation modeling were used. Results showed that internet use and emotional distress differed according to age and marital status, but didn't differ according to gender and educational level. Also sleep problems did not differ according to gender, marital status, age and educational level. Results showed a positive relationship between internet use and sleep problems, a positive relationship between internet use and emotional distress, and a positive relationship between sleep problems and emotional distress. Also, emotional distress fully mediated the relationship between internet use and sleep problems.