Gangwisch JE, Babiss LA, Malaspina D, et al. Parental bedtimes and adolescent depression: earlier parental set bedtimes as a protective factor against depression and suicidal ideation. SLEEP. 2010;1:97-106.

Recent research shows that earlier bedtimes benefit the mental health of adolescents and teenagers. Youths who follow their parents' earlier bedtimes are significantly less likely to develop depression or have suicidal thoughts, compared with those who get less sleep. These findings are published in the January 1, 2010 issue of SLEEP.

There is an existing theory that lack of sleep may be a possible cause of depression. This study's findings extend that theory to teens. In the study, those teens whose parents set bedtimes of midnight or later were 24% more likely to become depressed and 20% more likely to have suicidal ideations, compared with their peers who had parental set bedtimes of 10:00 pm or earlier. The results state further that adolescents who slept 5 or fewer hours a night were 71% more likely to suffer from depression and 48% more likely to contemplate suicide, compared with those who got 8 or more hours of sleep a night.

Researchers stated that adolescents and teens need at least 9 hours of sleep daily. The average sleep duration of the study was just shy of 8 hours a night. It is important for healthcare practitioners to educate both parents and adolescents about the value and health benefits of a good night's sleep. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their teens are getting adequate sleep.