Causal relationships between four types of sedentary behavior and insomnia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization
Zhikai Qin1, Huan Niu2, Yuxin He2
1School of Physical Education and Sport Science, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350117, Fujian, China.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|November 8, 2025
Summary
Watching television is linked to a higher risk of insomnia, while driving may decrease insomnia risk. This Mendelian randomization study explored sedentary behaviors and sleep disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Sleep Science
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sedentary behaviors are increasingly prevalent.
- The causal relationship between specific sedentary behaviors and insomnia remains unclear.
- Understanding these links is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal effects of specific sedentary behaviors on insomnia.
- Utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
- Examined driving, television watching, mobile phone use, and computer use.
Main Methods:
- Employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design.
- Utilized genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic instruments.
- Harmonized exposure and outcome data from UK Biobank GWAS, analyzed using inverse variance weighting (IVW) and sensitivity analyses.
Main Results:
- Television watching showed a significant positive association with insomnia (OR=1.20, P<0.001).
- Driving demonstrated a significant inverse association with insomnia (OR=0.821, P=0.005).
- No statistically significant associations were found for mobile phone or computer use with insomnia.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition to increased television watching time is associated with higher insomnia risk.
- Genetic predisposition to increased driving time is associated with lower insomnia risk.
- Results highlight the differential impact of sedentary behaviors on insomnia, with a caveat regarding the general nature of genetic proxies for behavior.
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