Jun 9, 2009 7:49 pm US/Eastern
Study: Sleepy Teens More Likely To Be Depressed
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
A new study suggests a lack of sleep may hurt a teen's mental health.
A team of researchers examined surveys from more than 15,000 teenagers and their parents.
The results found that middle and high school students who aren't in bed before midnight on school nights are 42 percent more likely to be depressed than teens who are asleep by 10 p.m.
Even more disturbing, the study found teens who stay up late are 30 percent more likely to be suicidal.
"Sleep deprivation pretty much without question has been associated with development of depression in people of all ages, and in turn, difficulties with sleep are a symptom of depression," said Dr. Steve Schlozman with Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.
The surveys were done from 1994 to 1996, which is why experts worry things could be even worse today with more distractions like texting, cell phones and Facebook. There are even more reasons to stay up too late.
"Sleep is very important for all physiological and cognitive function -- social interactions, for academic performance and athletic performance," Schlozman said.
Parents are urged to talk to their kids about the importance of sleep. Teens should get nine hours of sleep a night if possible.
While parents might think their teens don't need as much sleep as their younger siblings, they are wrong –- teens need more.
Another problem for teenagers is switching the sleep schedule on the weekends. Experts say you should try to keep your kids on one schedule seven days a week.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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