Source: Telegraph >> Read full article and comment

Ensuring that teenagers get a good night’s sleep could make them less likely to use drugs, according to researchers.

By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
Published: 7:30AM GMT 20 Mar 2010

Instilling good bedtime habits by restricting computer and mobile phone use late at night could cut the chances of them trying marijuana, a new study shows.

But parents might also have to try to ensure that their children’s friends are well–rested, as the research found that not only were both habits linked but that they “spread” within social groups.

Previous studies have suggested that using drugs could lead to teenagers getting less sleep.

But 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.”

There were many ways to promote healthy sleeping habits, she added.

“Take the TV out of the child’s bedroom, limit computer and phone usage to daytime and early evening hours, and promote napping,” she said.

The research also shows that getting little sleep and using drugs were habits that could “spread” through a teenager’s friendship groups. … Continue reading