Study indicates levels of depression may be higher in adolescents having later bedtimes.

Following a USA Today story, NBC Nightly News (6/9, story 10, 2:10, Williams) reported that a study presented at a sleep conference "shows the importance of" teenagers "getting enough sleep." Science correspondent Robert Bazell explained, "This latest study from Columbia University surveyed more than 15,000 teens and found that levels of depression and thoughts of suicide are higher in kids who have later bedtimes on school nights."

        In the Los Angeles Times (6/9) Booster Shots blog, Shari Roan added that adolescents "with parental-mandated bedtimes of midnight or later were 25 percent more likely to suffer from depression and 20 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts. The study supports the idea that inadequate sleep could lead to depression," according to lead author, James Gangwisch, PhD.

        According to HealthDay (6/9), Jonathan Pletcher, MD, "an adolescent medicine specialist from Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh," who was not involved in the study, pointed out, "There's a bi-directional relationship between depression and sleep." He added, "Teens who get less sleep may be more anxious and more likely to feel badly." Dr. Pletcher explained that "besides increasing the risk for depression and suicidal thoughts, a lack of sleep can affect a child's focus and learning," and may make teens "more impulsive." Meanwhile, Gangwisch noted that "a dearth of sleep is also associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes."