The relationship between sleep, psychological distress, and problematic use of social networks in older adults: a person-centered analysis

Social networking sites (SNS) use is associated with a range of positive outcomes, but a minority of vulnerable individuals experience problematic social networking site use (PSNSU). The relationship between PSNSU, sleep habits, and psychological distress remains insufficiently studied, particularly among older adults. As longer life expectancies and socioeconomic development contribute to the rising prevalence of PSNSU in this population, further research is required. This study aims to profile SNS users aged 60 and above, based on sleep quality, chronotype, psychological distress symptoms, motivations for SNS use, and PSNSU symptoms. The study involved 4962 SNS users (mean age = 66.81 ± 6.6 years; 57.9% female) who completed self-report questionnaires. Latent profile analysis identified five distinct profiles, interpreted as ‘Highly distressed very poor sleepers’ (7.0%), ‘Moderately distressed users’ (21.2%), ‘Mildly distressed socially involved users’ (20.3%), ‘Highly distressed very poor sleepers at risk for PSNSU’ (9.6%), and ‘Healthy users’ (42.0%). These profiles revealed different patterns of SNS-related variables, sleep quality, chronotype, and psychological distress. The findings suggest these variables are intertwined among older adults, yet exhibit distinct gradients and configurations requiring attention and tailored interventions. The findings of this study might have significant implications for understanding and addressing PSNSU in the older population.