RTT: Poor Sleep Habits Could Lead To Risky Behavior [OPINION]

Those who have poor sleeping habits during adolescence may be more likely to develop drinking and drug problems later in life, according to a new study from researchers at Idaho State University.

For the study, the researchers examined reported sleep habits, drug use and alcohol consumption in a nationwide survey carried out between 1994 and 2002.

Of the 6,500 adolescents surveyed, they found that those with worse sleep habits were more likely to drink and use drugs and also reported risky behaviors they later regretted. They also found a correlation between increased severity of sleep problems and substance abuse.

"A lot of parents don't monitor their adolescents' sleep schedules and let them make their own decisions about when to go to bed. But parents need to start talking to their teenagers, not just about grades and extra-curricular activities but about sleep too. And they must get help if needed," the researchers explained.

Credit: RTT News