Helping teenagers who are "night owls" get better sleep and align with their school schedules can be a big boost for their mental health.
Many school systems aren't designed for students who naturally stay up late and wake up late, and this can lead to problems like depression, especially in teens.
Let's find out more about the research that highlights it.
A new study on sleep and mental health
Researchers have come up with a way to help these night owls adjust their sleep patterns without compromising their school responsibilities.
The study found that teaching these teens to organize their lives so they can sleep in as much as possible while gradually helping them fall asleep a bit earlier was effective.
This approach is particularly crucial for teenagers with depression, as sleep plays a significant role in improving their symptoms.
The research involved over 40 teens with clinical depression, and the results showed that the group receiving the sleep intervention had significantly improved depression scores compared to those who received educational sessions about a healthy lifestyle.
Why it's important
The study highlights the importance of recognizing that some teens have a natural tendency to stay up late, and it's not due to laziness but rather their biology.
By acknowledging and addressing their unique sleep patterns, we can help improve their mental well-being and academic performance.
A larger study is in progress to further explore these findings and help more teenagers benefit from this approach.
