As families settle back into a new school year, sleep experts are reminding parents about the importance of teenagers getting enough sleep, warning them that insufficient sleep can negatively affect the mental health of adolescents.
In a new research paper, University of South Australia sleep experts Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti confirm that sleep is intrinsically linked to mental health.
Despite this, lack of sleep is commonly overlooked by health practitioners as a contributing factor when issues arise.
Bi-directional relationship
Dr Agostini says it’s imperative that parents and medical practitioners are aware of the bi-directional relationship between sleep and mental health, particularly across the teenage years.
‘Getting enough sleep is important for all of us – it helps our physical and mental health, boosts our immunity, and ensures we can function well on a daily basis,’ said Dr Agostini.
‘But for teenagers, sleep is especially critical because they’re at an age where they’re going through a whole range of physical, social, and developmental changes, all of which depend on enough sleep.
‘Research shows that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Without this, they’re less able to deal with stressors, such as bullying or social pressures, and run the risk of developing behavioural problems, as well as anxiety and depression,’ she said.
“If sleep drops to less than six hours a night, research shows that teens are twice as likely to engage in risky behaviours such as dangerous driving, marijuana, alcohol or tobacco use, risky sexual behaviour, and other aggressive or harmful activities.’
Sleep keeps teens on track for good mental health
In Australia, almost one in seven children and adolescents (aged 4–17 years) will experience a mental health disorder. The World Health Organization says that while half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, most cases go undetected and untreated.
UniSA co-researcher Dr Centofanti said many factors contribute to later bedtimes for teenagers, but technology is one of the greatest offenders.
‘Teens spend a lot of time on devices, whether it’s texting friends, playing games, or watching videos, using technology late into the night is one of the most common disruptors of good sleep.
‘Overuse of technology can also contribute to mental health issues likely to increase anxiety,’ she said.
Melatonin issues
Dr Centofanti said the issues with technology go beyond making people feel anxious and awake. Glowing screens are another issue.
‘The blue light emitted from technology inhibits the production of the sleep hormone melatonin to delay the natural onset of sleep. This is problematic because teens already have a biological tendency to want to stay up late and sleep in,’ said Dr Centofanti.
‘To make a real difference to teenage mental health, both parents and medical practitioners must understand how sleep can affect mental health in teenagers,’ she said.
