A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that childhood sleep patterns may influence the likelihood of substance use during adolescence. The study, published in Annals of Epidemiology, found that children who go to bed later and sleep fewer hours are more likely to try alcohol or marijuana by age 15.
Study Links Childhood Sleep Patterns to Substance Use in Adolescence
Lead researcher Anne-Marie Chang, an associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State, emphasizes that sleep might be an essential target for early intervention to prevent risky behaviors like substance use.
Key Sleep Factors: Bedtime and Total Sleep Duration
The study focused on two critical aspects of sleep health: total sleep duration and bedtime, assessing their long-term impact on substance use.
Data and Methods: Insights from the Future of Families and Child Well-being Study
The research team used data from 1,514 children in the Future of Families and Child Well-being Study. Parents reported their children’s bedtimes and sleep durations at various ages, and the researchers evaluated how these factors correlated with substance use in adolescence.
The Impact of Bedtime on Alcohol and Marijuana Use
The paper’s findings suggest that a later bedtime at age nine increased the likelihood of experimenting with alcohol by 45% by age 15, compared to peers with earlier bedtimes. A later bedtime at age five was linked to a 26% higher risk of trying marijuana by age 15. Additionally, teens with later bedtimes were 39% more likely to consume alcohol and 34% more likely to try marijuana. Reduced sleep duration was also associated with higher odds of alcohol use.
The Crucial Role of Sleep in Child Development and Decision-Making
David Reichenberger, one of the study’s lead authors, firmly believes sleep is crucial for children’s growth, brain development, and decision-making. This paper suggests that poor sleep health during vital developmental stages could have long-term effects on physical health and behavioral choices, including substance use.
Preventing Substance Use Through Healthy Sleep Habits
The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring school-age children have sufficient sleep by establishing age-appropriate bedtimes and promoting a conducive sleep environment. As Chang notes, understanding the link between sleep and substance use is vital, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic.
This research adds to the growing body of evidence[i] that sleep health plays a significant role in long-term well-being and can influence behaviors during adolescence. The findings suggest that addressing sleep issues early in childhood could play a role in preventing future substance abuse.
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[i] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743511002878
