Study Examines Teens' Sleep Habits

Arecent study, the results of which were reported in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, founda connection between adolescent sleep problems and risk-taking behaviors. Using theSleep Habits Survey and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the researchers looked at 388adolescents' sleep habits (males = 217, females = 171) on weekdays and weekends.

The results of the study showed no significant correlation between oversleepingon weekends and daytime functioning. The total amount of sleep during a schoolweek and delayed bedtimes on weekends, however, were associated with daytimeacademic performance and risk-taking behavior. The research indicated that a regularsleep/wake cycle in adolescents and good sleep hygiene can help both adolescents' choices and their academic performance in school.