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"Less sleep hours per night of middle school [is] associated with increased probabilities of all selected unsafe behaviors, "the authors write, including risk-taking while driving, impaired driving, potentially dangerous sexual activity, aggressive behavior and the use of alcohol, tobacco and other substances. drug addicts.
The team found the strongest associations in mood and self harm. Teenagers who slept less than six hours per night were three times more likely to report suicide, to plan a suicide attempt, or to try to do so compared to adolescents who slept eight hours or more. They were also four times more likely to have reported a suicide attempt that had led them to need treatment.
"I think that reinforces what we believe to be the case," said Gruber. "I am not sure that each of the conclusions is completely a surprise or a novelty, but that certainly validates what we think.Sometimes the challenge with other studies they might be much smaller, or the l & # 39; sample might not be selected correctly, could be biased, so I think the methodology in terms of sampling and sample size is a real asset. "
Weaver and Gruber both note that the limitations of the study include the fact that the data are self-reported by the participants and that the research does not show a cause-and-effect relationship between sleep and high-risk behaviors.
Gruber advises parents to respect the sleep schedule of their children, because teens are not always able to manage their own sleep and may not know when is the best time to turn off the lights.
"I think my message to parents is that it's a priority.This will make a huge difference in the lives, performance, mood and behavior of their children," Gruber said. "My experience, my impression, is that we still have to give priority to parents, just like what we do with other things we know are unhealthy for kids."
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