Lack of sleep can lead to mental health problems for teens, studies reveal

By Staff Writer

Recent studies reveal that about half of American teenagers aren't getting enough sleep, thus increasing their chances of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Sleep-deprived young adults are experiencing higher levels of psychological distress than those who are well-rested, according to Time.com. University of Sydney researchers found that adolescents who sleep less than five hours triple their odds of developing mental problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.

According to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation and published in The Epoch Times, about 50 percent of teenagers are not getting the recommended amount of sleep, which experts suggest is eight or nine hours per night. Researchers believe that excessive use of the Internet and video games, as well as an increased level of caffeine consumption, are factors that cause teens to stay up later than other age groups.

A co-author on the study suggests that schools should consider pushing back their start times, which he says is an effective way to improve teens' academic achievement.