Researchers report that improving sleep may help protect children from some mental health problems, with the effect most visible in low-income families. The study, led by the Georgia Center for Developmental Science at the University of Georgia and published in Translational Psychiatry, combined survey responses and brain imaging from three waves of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study and included more than 8,000 children.
Findings showed that economic hardship at age 10 predicted higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts at ages 11 and 12. Shorter sleep was linked to poorer emotion regulation. Analysis of brain connectivity indicated that stronger connectivity within the default mode networkthe system involved in regulating emotions and self-reflectionreduced some negative effects of poor sleep and provided partial protection for youth under hardship.
Researchers note that caregiving demands, nonstandard work hours and daily financial stress can disrupt consistent bedtime routines, while noisier neighbourhoods and higher crime rates can raise anxiety and harm sleep quality. They recommend adding sleep screening to pediatric visits and school mental health programs and suggest sleep-focused interventions as a practical, cost-effective way to lower suicide risk in vulnerable groups. Assaf Oshri said, "Sleep is not just a byproduct of stress. Its a mechanism through which adversity can take root in the developing brain." Ellen House added that improving sleep patterns is something families can control to protect a childs health.
- Study support: grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Difficult words
- hardship — a difficult situation with financial or other problems
- suicidal ideation — thoughts about wanting to end one's life
- emotion regulation — ability to manage and control feelings
- connectivity — how different brain parts connect and communicate
- default mode network — brain system active during rest and self-reflection
- nonstandard — not following usual or typical schedules
- screening — process of checking people for possible problems
- intervention — a planned action to improve a situationinterventions
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might improving sleep be especially important for children in low-income families? Give two reasons based on the article.
- What practical challenges could make it hard for families to keep consistent bedtime routines? Suggest possible responses.
- Do you think adding sleep screening to schools and pediatric visits is realistic in your community? Why or why not?
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