Assessment of the Relationship Between Internet Addiction, Psychological Well-Being, and Sleep Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study Involving Adult Population

Internet addiction is an emerging public health concern among adults, potentially affecting psychological well-being and sleep quality. Although a substantial body of research has focused on adolescents and younger adults, less is known about middle-aged and older adult populations. This study investigated the relationships between Internet addiction, sleep quality, and psychological well-being in 629 adults (aged 30-60 years) and examined the socio-demographic predictors of Internet addiction. Participants completed online questionnaires assessing Internet addiction, psychological well-being, and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). The final sample had a mean age of 39.4 (SD = 7.8), with 53.4% female participants. Most were employed (77.9%), and nearly half held an undergraduate degree (49.1%). The mean Internet addiction score was 38.1 ± 13.6. Poor sleep quality was prevalent (67.2%), and Internet addiction was positively correlated with total PSQI scores (r = 0.593; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Higher psychological well-being was inversely associated with both Internet addiction (r = -0.417; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and poor sleep quality (r = -0.490; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Younger age, female gender, regular employment, and higher income predicted greater Internet addiction, whereas having an undergraduate degree was associated with lower scores. Taken together, the findings of this study emphasize the importance of addressing sleep quality and psychological well-being to mitigate excessive Internet use in mid-life and older populations, particularly among those at higher risk.