Sleep problems in teens linked to self-harm risk
Study finds sleep problems at 14 linked to self-harm at 14 and 17, even after accounting for other factors.
Why it matters
- Self-harm is a major public health concern among adolescents.
- Sleep problems are a modifiable risk factor, offering a potential avenue for intervention.
By the numbers
- Over 10,000 teenagers were studied.
- Sleep problems at age 14 were associated with self-harm concurrently and three years later.
- 70% of teenagers get inadequate sleep globally.
The big picture
- Adolescence is a critical period for intervention.
- Sleep health needs to be prioritized in adolescents to potentially have long-lasting protective effects.
What they're saying
- Personal anecdotes align with study findings, linking sleep issues with self-harm.
- Sleep is crucial for brain health and mental well-being.
Caveats
- The study found an association but does not establish causality.
- The exact mechanism linking sleep problems to self-harm is not clear.
What’s next
- More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this association.
- Interventions targeting sleep health in adolescents could be explored.