Chronic sleep deprivation and adolescent health: Two longitudinal studies of youth in Western Canada

Abstract

Abstract Background Chronic exposure to insufficient sleep may increase depression and poor health in adolescents who are particularly vulnerable to changes in sleep and neuro-cognitive development. The cumulative effects of persistent sleep deprivation on adolescent physical and mental health, and potential gender differences, are unknown. We investigated whether cumulative sleep deprivation is linked to sub-optimal health or depression in youth (13-18 y). Methods Longitudinal self-reported data (2011-2012) included three measures of sleep times and two of self-rated health (SRH) and depression (CESD). Missing data were multiply imputed using variables related to primary and secondary analyses for SRH (n = 3104) and CESD (n = 3071). Multivariable regression models with interaction terms estimated gender-specific associations; post-estimation calculated adjusted mean depression scores across levels of cumulative sleep deprivation. Results We found 11% of youth (56% females) in BC were chronically sleep deprived. Cumulative exposure to sleep deprivation was not associated with SRH in adolescents (all P-values ≥ 0.097), but was associated with increased risk of depression in young women only. Young women reporting chronic sleep deprivation had higher mean CESD scores (19.48 [17.59-21.38]), compared to counterparts reporting no history of sleep deprivation (16.59 [15.72-17.45]). No associations were seen in young men. Findings were robust to changes in model re-specification. Conclusions Results indicated that chronic sleep deprivation may be an important determinant of mental health outcomes in adolescents, particularly young women, although there was little support for effects on overall health status. Chronically impaired quality of sleep should be considered in future longitudinal work. Public health efforts to promote mental health for young people may require relevant strategies to support young women in achieving recommended amounts of sleep. Key messages Chronic sleep deprivation showed no association with adolescents’ self-rated health. Chronic sleep deprivation was linked to a higher risk of depression in young women only.