Latent Default Mode Network Connectivity Patterns: Associations With Sleep Health and Adolescent Psychopathology

The present study examined default mode network (DMN) neural connectivity patterns among adolescents. Next, we tested two critical markers of sleep health-duration and efficiency, in predicting neural connectivity patterns. Last, we investigated the latent DMN profiles' predictive utility of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in youth.

The study included 2811 youth (47.8% female; mean age = 11.94) enrolled in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Sleep duration and efficiency were objectively measured via Fitbit wearable's (mean number of nights = 14.13). Latent profile analysis identified neural connectivity profiles within the DMN and between other networks (fronto-parietal, salience, ventral attention, and dorsal attention). Parents reported the youth's psychopathology symptoms.

Four DMN profiles were empirically identified: (1) moderate; (2) low within and high between; (3) high within and low between; and (4) high within and high between. Youth with shorter sleep duration were more likely to be classified as low within and high between subgroup. Youth with lower sleep efficiency were more likely to be classified as the high within and low between subgroup. There were between-group differences in externalizing problems one year later.

Our findings highlight unique neural patterns in youth and their associations with sleep and psychopathology. The results will inform clinical practice and preventive programming that attempts to address the crisis in youth mental health through a focus on mitigating sleep problems in youth.