Earlier Bedtimes Influence Depression in Teens

Restful and adequate amounts of sleep are essential for optimal health across all age groups.  A study recently published in the journal Sleep emphasizes the importance of adolescents getting to bed early.  Researchers at Columbia University found that adolescents with parentally-set early bedtimes (10 pm and earlier) were less likely to experience depression and suicidal thoughts than fellow classmates allowed to stay up later (until midnight or beyond).  In comparison with teenagers whose parents required lights-out by 10pm, the teens with later bedtimes were 24% more likely to be depressed and 20% more likely to think about suicide.  In this particular study, over 15,000 children grades 7-12 and their parents were surveyed.  

Dr. Shana McQueen

Source:  http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/17/earlier-bedtimes-may-fend-off-teen-depression