Teenage sleep problems examined in new Australian research | Lifestyle.INQ

OCTOBER 27, 2022

Instagram Facebook Youtube
Image: martinedoucet/Istock.com via AFP Relaxnews
Image: martinedoucet/Istock.com via AFP Relaxnews

New Australian research has revealed that a worrying number of young people are experiencing sleep problems. The study also looked into some of the reasons for the disturbances.

Carried out by researchers from James Cook University and the University of Queensland, the study tracked more than 3,600 young people from the age of 14 until they were 21.

The results showed that just over a quarter of the 14-year-olds reported sleep problems, with more than 40 percent of those still having sleep problems at 21.

However, what causes these problems is different at different ages, according to Dr. Yaqoot Fatima from JCU’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health.

“Maternal factors, such as drug abuse, smoking, depression and anxiety among mothers are the most significant predictors of adolescent sleep problems in their children, at 14-years-old,” Dr. Fatima explained, “For all people studied, being female, having experienced early puberty, and being a smoker were the most significant predictors of sleep problems at 21 years.”

Depression or anxiety during adolescence were also factors for sleep problems between the two ages.

“It’s a vicious circle. Depression and anxiety are well-established risk factors for sleep problems and people with sleep problems are often anxious or depressed,” said Dr. Fatma.

In line with other recent studies, the research also highlighted the negative effect of electronic media on sleep, with Dr. Fatima explaning that, “In children and adolescents, it’s found to be strongly associated with later bedtime and shorter sleep duration, increasing the risk of developing sleep disturbances.”

Although Dr. Fatima did describe the results as worrying, as they revealed a high incidence of persistent sleep problems which can go on to cause other health problems, the findings did also suggest a solution.

“Even allowing for body mass index and other lifestyle factors, we found that an active lifestyle can decrease future incidence and progression of sleep problems in young subjects. So, early exercise intervention with adolescents might provide a good opportunity to prevent their sleep problems persisting into later life.”

The findings can be found published online in the journal Sleep Health. JB

RELATED STORY:

Dream job unlocked: Chinese firm is paying people for a “sleeping job”-2

TOP STORIES

Uncategorized
Watsons gathers suppliers for ‘A Night of Thousand Smiles’ at the 2023 HWB Awards
Advertorial
La Noche at Las Flores (also happening at Rambla, Rumba, Tomatito, and BCN by Las Flores)
Advertorial
The Food Hall Experience: Where to eat and make memories
Human Interest
Six Ways to Transform Your Space Into a Summer Getaway All Year Round
Technology
GCash users can now go cashless on their next Euro trip thanks to Alipay+ partnership
Celebrities
California Love: Tupac Honoured With Star in Hollywood

MORE FROM LIFESTYLE.INQ

Mela Habijan celebrates Pride Month in La Union
Connie Sison talks about neck spasm and how to deal with it
Rica Peralejo’s musings on degradation and how she survived it
Solmux Advance Suspension: More Zinc, more potent vs cough
Back to the office? How employers are struggling to satisfy their workers
‘Coming to Fore’ exhibit ends, leaves lasting impact

FROM THE NICHE TITLES

F&B Report
How Do You Turn a Former Summer House Into Tagaytay’s Hottest New Al Fresco Restaurant?
Multisport
The Public Swimming Pools You Can Cool Off in This Summer
Noli Soli
Low-Effort, High-Yield Recipes for Your Snacking Needs
Preen
ICYDK, the UP-PGH Sexual and Gender Minority Clinic Offers These Trans Health Care Services
Scout
A Seafood Chef Falls for a Siren in This Dark Fantasy WLW Animated Short
More than just a living space, it’s a lifestyle
The Bistro Group expands to Pampanga, opens 6 new restaurants at SM CITY Clark
Rediscovering Summer Together with SSI Life for a Season Unlike Any Other
Niyama Wellness by AHG expands portfolio with Club Punta Fuego’s Ylang Ylang Spa
Steaks to Savor for Mother’s Day at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls
Bring your vacation home with IKEA this summer using these design tips

CURRENT. DYNAMIC. INSIDER.

The latest in global fashion, beauty, and culture through a contemporary Filipino perspective.

CONNECT WITH US

INSTAGRAM

instagram.com/lifestyle.inq

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/lifestyle.inq

YOUTUBE

youtube.com/lifestyle.inq

EMAIL

lifestyle.inq@inquirer.net

Stay in touch and get the latest stories from the LIFESTYLE.INQ newsletter

COPYRIGHT © LIFESTYLE INQUIRER 2022