Exploring the Longitudinal Interactions Between Physical Activity, Internet Gaming Disorder, and Insomnia: A Cross-Lagged Panel Study
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By
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Huijie Wang
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Tiantian Cao
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Lin Luo
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July 8, 2026
Clinical Report: Exploring the Longitudinal Interactions Between PA, IGD, and Insomnia
Overview
This study investigates the longitudinal relationships among physical activity (PA), internet gaming disorder (IGD), and insomnia in college students. Findings indicate that PA negatively correlates with both IGD and insomnia, while IGD positively correlates with insomnia.
Background
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and insomnia are prevalent issues among college students, often co-occurring and impacting mental health and academic performance. Physical activity (PA) is recognized as a protective factor against both IGD and insomnia.
Data Highlights
| Relationship | Effect Size (β) | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PA → IGD (T1→T2) | -0.113 | <0.001 |
| PA → Insomnia (T1→T2) | -0.098 | 0.003 |
| IGD → Insomnia (T1→T2) | 0.131 | 0.010 |
| Insomnia → PA (T1→T2) | -0.030 | 0.408 |
Key Findings
- PA is negatively correlated with subsequent IGD and insomnia.
- IGD is positively correlated with subsequent insomnia.
- Insomnia does not significantly correlate with subsequent PA.
- PA predicts lower insomnia both directly and indirectly via lower IGD.
- The relationship between IGD and insomnia is stronger in earlier stages.
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that increasing physical activity may serve as a preventive measure against IGD and insomnia among college students. Clinicians should consider incorporating physical activity recommendations into treatment plans for patients exhibiting symptoms of IGD or insomnia.
Conclusion
The study examines the relationships between physical activity, IGD, and insomnia.
Related Resources & Content
- BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Effects of progressive aerobic training on neural synchrony and functional connectivity in internet gaming disorder: a randomized controlled fMRI study
- BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — The Relationship Between Internet Gaming Disorder and Anxiety Among First-Year University Students in China: The Influence of Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Systems
- BMC Psychiatry — Impulsivity facets and internet gaming disorder symptoms in male adolescents with ADHD: an exploratory cross-sectional study from Turkiye
- Frontiers in Psychiatry — The association between internet gaming disorder, depression, and anxiety among Palestinian university students who play internet games in a conflict-affected region
- Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders (CDDR)
- Global prevalence of insomnia symptoms in undergraduate university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: at a glance
- Clinical descriptions and diagnostic requirements for ICD-11 mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders (CDDR)
- Global prevalence of insomnia symptoms in undergraduate university students: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
- WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour: at a glance
Based on findings from:
Longitudinal relationships among physical activity, internet gaming disorder, and insomnia: a cross-lagged panel analysis
Huijie Wang, Tiantian Cao, Lin Luo. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 2026.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1903076/full
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