Start Date
16-6-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
16-6-2025 11:30 AM
Abstract
Introduction
Currently, there is minimal research on sleep in youth with visual impairments. The present study aimed to examine the associations between physical activity, mental health, and sleep in this population.
Methods
Participants included 37 youth (Mage = 13.03 years; range: 8-19; 51% female). Six were congenitally blind, and the overall sample included eight B1’s, three B2’s, 18 B3’s, and eight B4’s. All participants were assessed at the start of a summer sports camp for youth with VI and completed the School Sleep Habits Survey and the Rapid Assessment Physical Activity Survey.
Results
Although there were no differences in indicators of sleep, mental health, or physical activity levels across severity of visual impairment, findings revealed greater symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with less total sleep time during the week (r = -.373). Furthermore, greater cardiovascular activity was associated with more daytime sleepiness (r = .329), and more involvement in strength/flexibility was associated with more total sleep during the week (r = .356). Finally, children with greater preferences for evening were more likely to report higher levels of sleep disturbance (r = .358) and daytime sleepiness (r = .379).
Discussion and Conclusion
Sleep was associated with both physical activity and mental health scores for youth with visual impairments. Also, consistent with findings in sighted individuals, chronotype was associated with sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. Future research should examine the longitudinal impact of physical activity upon sleep.
Recommended Citation
Beach, Pamela; Peltz, Jack; Pontello, Marlee; Brian, Ali; Decker, Sarah; Lieberman, Lauren; Taliaferro, Andrea; and Pennell, Adam, "Sleep and Physical Activity in Youth with Visual Impairments" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 2.
https://sword.cit.ie/isapa/2025/day1/2
Sleep and Physical Activity in Youth with Visual Impairments
Introduction
Currently, there is minimal research on sleep in youth with visual impairments. The present study aimed to examine the associations between physical activity, mental health, and sleep in this population.
Methods
Participants included 37 youth (Mage = 13.03 years; range: 8-19; 51% female). Six were congenitally blind, and the overall sample included eight B1’s, three B2’s, 18 B3’s, and eight B4’s. All participants were assessed at the start of a summer sports camp for youth with VI and completed the School Sleep Habits Survey and the Rapid Assessment Physical Activity Survey.
Results
Although there were no differences in indicators of sleep, mental health, or physical activity levels across severity of visual impairment, findings revealed greater symptoms of depression and anxiety were associated with less total sleep time during the week (r = -.373). Furthermore, greater cardiovascular activity was associated with more daytime sleepiness (r = .329), and more involvement in strength/flexibility was associated with more total sleep during the week (r = .356). Finally, children with greater preferences for evening were more likely to report higher levels of sleep disturbance (r = .358) and daytime sleepiness (r = .379).
Discussion and Conclusion
Sleep was associated with both physical activity and mental health scores for youth with visual impairments. Also, consistent with findings in sighted individuals, chronotype was associated with sleep problems and daytime sleepiness. Future research should examine the longitudinal impact of physical activity upon sleep.
