New York, NY (September 04, 2009) – A recent study reported at the annual meeting of the Association of Professional Sleep Societies indicates that rates of adolescent depression are higher in children with later parental-set bedtimes, possibly as a consequence of less sleep. With over 2.1 million teenagers suffering from depression in the United States, it is important that parents are aware of this association that may have meaning for their children’s’ health.
Data were collected from over 15,000 adolescents ranging from grades 7 to 12 who participated in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Researchers concluded that teenagers with parental set bedtimes of midnight or later were 24% more likely to suffer from depression, and 20% more likely to have suicidal thoughts, compared to teenagers with parental set bedtimes of before 10:00 pm.
“This study reinforces the argument that short sleep duration may play a role in the occurrence of depression in young people,” stated study co-author Dr. Gary K. Zammit, Clinical Associate Professor at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons and President & CEO of Clinilabs. “We’ve known for years that adequate sleep is important to daytime functioning, but new data such as these are opening our eyes to the possibility that short sleep is associated with a number of medical and psychiatric problems. The potential negative impact of short sleep on the well-being of young people cannot be overlooked,” he added.
The research team, led by Dr. James Gangwisch of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and involving investigators from the New York State Psychiatric Institute, concluded that short sleep duration could play a role in the development of depression. Earlier parental set bedtimes could allow for greater sleep opportunity and therefore be protective against adolescent depression and suicidal thoughts.
About Clinilabs Inc.
Clinilabs is a contract research organization (CRO) that provides early phase and specialty clinical drug development services to industry. Our organization offers clients a turn-key solution for single center and multicenter Phase I and II clinical trials. We also offer specialty drug development services in a variety of therapeutic areas. For more information, please visit www.clinilabs.com.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Gary K. Zammit, please call Javier Folgar at 646-215-6411 or e-mail jfolgar@clinilabs.com.
