Teen Insomniacs More Than Tired

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Teenagers are not getting enough sleep and now, one of the largest studies on adolescent insomnia finds the lack of sleep is taking a toll on their health. The study reveals those youths with insomnia, particularly chronic insomnia, are at greater risk of future somatic and especially psychological problems.

The study was led by researchers from the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. Study authors collected data from 4,175 youths between 11 and 17 years old. The participants were asked about their sleep, including symptoms of insomnia. Researchers followed up with more than 3,000 youths one year later.

The results show about 14 percent of the youths had one or more symptoms of insomnia for the entire year. Overall, 46 percent of the youths report one of more symptoms of insomnia and 23 percent report insomnia cases. Researchers say age, sex or family income did not predict incidence or duration of insomnia. But they did find an association with psychological dysfunction among insomniacs.

“Our data suggest that burden of insomnia among youths is comparable to that of other major psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse,” says Robert E. Roberts, Ph.D., professor of behavioral sciences. “Given this burden, on implication is that health care providers should place greater emphasis on detecting and treating insomnia among adolescents.” Study authors say teens should get about nine hours of sleep each night.

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SOURCE: Sleep, 2008;31:177-184