Teenagers sleeping habits could influence drug use

Recent research has shown that getting a good night’s sleep for teenagers could make them less likely to use drugs. The new study found that teenagers with poor sleep patterns were also more likely to start taking drugs.

Dr Sara Mednick, from the University of California, who led the study, said: "Our behaviours are connected to each other and we need to start thinking about how one behaviour affects our lives on many levels.

“Therefore, when parents, schools and law enforcement want to look for ways to influence one outcome, such as drug use, our research suggests that targeting another behaviour, like sleep, may have a positive influence.”

Dr Mednick went on to explain ways to promote good and healthy sleeping habits, such taking TVs out of children’s bedrooms and limiting children’s use of computers and mobiles to only in  the daytime and early in the evening.

The research also showed that getting little sleep and using drugs were habits that could spread through teen friendship groups. The study showed that teens were more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation if their friends or even their friends of friends had bad sleeping habits too.  

Dr Mednick explained that, "this is our first investigation into the spread of illegal drug use in social networks, and we believe it is also the first study on the spread of sleep behaviours through social networks." Previous research has shown that other behaviours such as happiness, obesity, smoking and altruism (unselfishness) can also be "caught” and “spread” through friendship groups.

Why not take a look at the Oy! advise pages for more info on the dangers of drugs and also on ways to get yourself a good nights sleep!