We have never wanted to post anything on our blog that teens would be tempted to hide from their parents. Unfortunately, we are breaking that rule today. A new study featured by USA Today links teen depression to bedtimes — yet another reason why your parents are right when they tell you to get off Facebook and go to bed.
Study links teen depression to bedtimes
USATODAY.com – Gregg Toppo – 06/08/09Teens whose parents let them stay up after midnight on weeknights have a much higher chance of being depressed or suicidal than teens whose parents enforce an earlier bedtime, says research being presented today at a national sleep conference.
The findings are the first to examine bedtimes’ effects on kids’ mental health — and the results are noteworthy. Middle- and high-schoolers whose parents don’t require them to be in bed before midnight on school nights are 42% more likely to be depressed than teens whose parents require a 10 p.m. or earlier bedtime. And teens who are allowed to stay up late are 30% more likely to have had suicidal thoughts in the past year.
Obviously, sleep is important — whether or not you struggle with depression or suicidal thoughts. More importantly, the Bible teaches us that sleep is gift of God (Psalm 127:2) and a daily reminder of our dependence on Him. In a message entitled, “A Biblical Understanding of Sleep,” C.J. Mahaney points out that God could have made us with no need for sleep, but sleep reminds us that we are creatures, not the Creator, who “neither slumbers nor sleeps” (Psalm 121:3-4).
Some questions for discussion:
- What is a normal bedtime for you?
- How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
- Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
- What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
What is a normal bedtime for you?
9:30-10
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
8,9
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Yes, most of the time. I like being up late because that’s when the house is quiet. =D (I have 5 younger siblings)
As much as I hate to say this…it’d probably take a stricter bedtime enforcement officer…AKA MOM!
Interesting article. I have always felt that it is important to sleep, and whenever I don’t get enough I feel guilty; but I never thought it could be that bad. Thanks for the info. the Rebelution, I am sure we’ll think twice before staying late next time.
What is a normal bedtime for you?
9:30-10:00
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
8…
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
I think so…I mainly stay up a little later because like Kyrstin, that’s when the house is quiet. And since I love to read, doing so is more understandable and undistracted…(I have 4 younger siblings)
That is an interesting article. Mom and Dad keept my brother and I on a bedtime and I can see its advantages. Though getting to sleep is an issue for me ( I could suffer from insomnia), my parents keep the ultra late nights to a minimum. Though I like to stay up late, it isn’t healthy….and I should kick the habit even more =)
1. 9-9:30
2. 6-7
3. I would LOVE to fall asleep when I go to bed, but I don’t. I fall asleep between 11 and 12. Depression runs in my family, and I have been mildly depressed myself. I would say that depression is a result of lack of sleep, not the other way around.
I agree, this is an interesting topic. But I think, a pretty important one. Thanks for posting it! 🙂
What is a normal bedtime for you?
9:00
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
9-10
Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
yes
I’d like to know how much of this has to do with sleep and how much to do with a good relationship with your parents.
Obviously, sleep has a reasonable place in our lives–the bible confirms it, as quoted–but I also believe that good, caring parents are willing to be strict with their children and teens. Possibly, being pampered or ignored (both involving no rules) is more often to lead to depression.
Just a thought.
Interesting study. I had never thought about the connection specifically between late bedtimes and depression, although I guess it makes sense, biologically.
As far as myself: normal bedtime: 1 to 3 AM
Hours per night: 5-6 during the school year, and 7-8 on break.
Do I get enough sleep: Definitely not. The reason–I would initially say along with the others that with 7 younger siblings, the noise levels decrease sharply after midnight. However, that doesn’t explain my bedtime at school, which is possibly later.
I don’t know what could make me go to bed earlier…maybe being forced to get up earlier by my school or job schedule? (One reason I try for morning schedules anyway…)
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
I go to my room about 9:00 I turn off the lights between 10:30 and 11:00 (depending on how good my book is)
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
7-9
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles
I think I do get enough sleep most of the time sometimes I can’t quiet my brain and I will lie awake for an hour or more after I turn out the lights if that happens I am normaly really tired the next day.
I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but I don’t believe the study controlled for nighttime activities. I’m convinced that those who stay up late playing computer games are mentally less stable than those who go to bed early and don’t play the games. The whole issue with bedtimes needs also to consider overall sleep. And people with mental problems are much more likely not to have parents who care about them, thereby not setting a bedtime. Too many loose variables here.
My normal bedtime is usually 10-10:30 and I normally get 9 hours of sleep a night. Yes I do get enough sleep. If I get too much, I actually feel miserable.
Bedtime: 10:30-11:30, sometimes later
Hours of Sleep: 7-8
Lately, I’ve been thinking I’m not getting enough sleep. My mom has always made sure my siblings and I have gotten enough sleep over the years because her dad was a pediatrician, and I’m grateful for it. I’m hoping I’ll be able to exercise enough self control at college. I usually end up staying up reading, doing the dishes, talking to my parents, or spending excess, meaningless time on Facebook. That could be fixed: but bad habits are hard to break. I agree with what Cynthia said about the relationship with parents having a lot to do with it.
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
I go to bed anywhere between 10-12 p.m. on normal nights. It really depends on what we are working on. Like John, Kyrsten, and Sophie, I have several younger siblings (8 to be exact, with another due in two weeks) and night is the only time to work when it is quiet.
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
7-8 hours
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
I always (unless I can’t get my brain shut off LOL!) feel well rested when I get up, so for me, 7-8 hours of sleep is enough.
Interesting study. Thanks for posting!
~*~Courtney~*~
This was very interesting. Thanks for posting! 😀
Or maybe it’s not what time you go to bed, but a symptom of another problem. Namely, parents who don’t put any effort into supervising their kids while they are younger, really don’t care that much, and the kids feel it. This might mean that the whole atmosphere of the home is lacking structure and love. Not that love and structure are synonymous, but still . . .
1) 10:30 (although for the past couple of weeks we’ve had some unusual things to deal with so we’ve been going to bed more or less between 11:00-11:30)
2) Going to bed at 10:30 I get 8 hours. That’s if I decide to go back to sleep when I wake up, which is usually around 4:00. If I decide to get up then I only get 6.
3) I usually get enough sleep, although, today I’m VERY tired. I had to go to bed really late last night and tonight, and for the next four nights, my parents will be out of town. That means I have to babysit 7 other kids. Whew! I’m in for a workout! 😉 I agree with many of the above that night time is (usually) quieter.
4) I think that it is important for these things to be studied. It will help alert people in how to avoid harmful things. I do agree, too. My mom has been very depressed in the past. But it usually hits her during or after a pregnancy, which does point to something. Plus, now our youngest kid is 3 (this Saturday) and so now I’m the one who gets up with him (he’s too cute to mind it).
For anyone complaining of sleep problems, there is a natural remedy called Melatonin. It helps to calm your brain before bed. My sisters and my brothers take it to help them, seeing as they all have some MAJOR trouble going to sleep. As for me, in my dad’s words, I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow. My dad says I would only be allowed to lick a tablet of Melatonin. 😉
Anyway, I hope this helps!
Blessings,
Kay Morris 🙂
BTW, I agree with Michael 100%
* What is a normal bedtime for you? During School anytime between 1am and 5am. On break it would be between 11 and 12
* How many hours of sleep do you average per night? Once again school would be between 3 hours to 6 hours, and break can be anywhere from 7-12
* Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? No, I know that during school I do not get enough sleep. Mainly noise, the dorms are pretty loud and I had a noisy roommate this past year. I am switching dorms next semester.
* What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? I agree with it. Because when you don’t get enough sleep you sometimes can get irritated more easily etc..which can lead to problems
Ohh and to add to my comment in high school I always went to bed between 9-11 and I really do like going to bed earlier. When I went to college the noise levels increased drastically and I just found it very difficult to get enough sleep on top of homework and noisy roommates.
interesting
[b]What is a normal bedtime for you?[/b]
Anywhere between 9:00 and 10:00
[b]How many hours of sleep do you average per night? [/b]
Nine is a good average
[b]Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?[/b]
I feel that sleep is essential, and I think it takes “listening” to your natural clock when it tells you when it’s time to sleep.
[b]What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?[/b]
I think it’s a study that has a great deal of truth. I don’t know how much sleeping patterns can vary, but my sister (a few years older) has a Facebook (while I do not), and she often stays up until midnight (while I’m in bed by 10:00). In general she’s a little more grouchy than I am, while I could say some other friends have this same attitude slightly more ‘expressed’.
Camden
*sigh* And yet another Rebelution wake up call. Maybe if I answer these questions honestly and to the point I will be more motivated to reform…
What is a normal bedtime for you?
Between 11 pm and midnight
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
Around 8 or 9, but not all of it is good sleep on acount of how late I get to bed.
Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
Although the numbers are right, I do not (feel that I get enough sleep)
If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
I keep myself from getting enough sleep. I stay up, of my own free will since I’m the oldest 🙂 and don’t ever have enough time in the day to ‘get my stuff done’.
What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Not much, that’s what’s embarassing. I’ve got it all figured out, theoretically, how if I went to bed early without doing things until the wee sma’s, then I will be able to get up earlier and get more things done sooner…
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
They definitely have a point, I would agree with Cynthia and Michael though, having your parents involved with your life and ‘laying down the law’ can impact your mental health. Security and all. From experience though, I know I get up on the wrong side of the bed often because I don’t get enough sleep.
Well, there’s my two cents, complete with cliches and dull explanations.
In Christ-
Jordan
I am usually in bed reading around 9:15 or 9:30, lights out at 10:00. Lately it has been a bit harder to get to sleep because my older sis is home from college and does not keep as strict a bedtime.
I get 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
I do feel I get plenty of sleep. Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise is a very good rule to keep!
I think that this study definitely holds some truth. I don’t have a Facebook, and I have never been depressed or had suicidal thoughts, but I know that I am sure to feel terribly irritable if I stay up too late. My Mom is usually telling me to get off the Rebelution, I obey of course and go read ‘Do Hard Things’ instead! ; )
This was a very helpful post! My parents never have to tell me to go to bed before 12 though. I’m already there. And I’ve been there… probably for awhile.
I like sleep a little too much. *shuffles guiltily*
*What is a normal bedtime for you?*
Well, lately, 9:30-10. Used to be allot earlier. But lately, I’m amazing myself. Not only do I crawl into bed later- I stay awake in bed. It’s amazing. I know you’re thinking that is nowhere near in the league of amazing. But for me it’s… amazing. 🙂
*How many hours of sleep do you average per night?*
Um… it all depends… Lately, as I said, I can’t sleep.
*Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? *
Well- I can’t remove my imagination, so… I’m rather stuck!
*What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? *
I do think this is an important and valuable study. To think that someone can let something so silly as sleepiness ruin their whole life! Sleep is important. And we should value it. There are so many little things God has given us that we don’t value. Things that we should value.
* What is a normal bedtime for you?
between 11 and 12p.m.
* How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
between 8 and 9
* Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
most of the time I do. sometimes however I think I stay up to late. what keeps me from getting enough sleep? well probably just my own self. I spend a lot of time on the pc in the evenings. if I didn’t do that then I could get to bed earlier.
* What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
well I do know that a lack of sleep makes me irritable. but other than that I would have never thought of it that way. it puts a good perspective on why we need sleep.
1. 11:30-1
2. Lately it’s been 6, but normally 7-8
3. No, not at the moment! I’m SO TIRED right now, and would love to go to bed, but I’ve got way too much to do. I’d have to cut back on reading a lot, and many other things that would be hard for me, but I can see I’m more cranky and snap at my family more often when I don’t get enough sleep.
4. I think the study is true to a degree, although I don’t see someone stop thinking suicidally just because he gets more sleep.
+ 12-1am
+ 8-9 hours
+ Yeah not right when I get up but I don’t just fall into bed what keeps me from getting more sleep is that I have 3 little siblings and a family I have responsibilitys twords and I find it hard during the day to Do my writing (I’m an writer) or just sit in silance or Read
+ Yeah I think for most people it could be correct but as for me I would get suicidal if I didn’t get those 3 hours alone at night
+unfortunetly 12-1am
+6-8
+No way, I know I should get more. I am distracted by the computer, whether its doing school or writing, or blogging.
+extremely interesting, and although I haven’t had any problems with it, I know people who are depressed and this made me think.
– 10:00, 10:30
– 8 hours
– I think I probably get enough sleep, I just have a hard time getting going in the morning.
I have personally experienced how important sleep is to being healthy and all. Last year I went on a mission trip to Africa. During the different long flights and layovers I went about 36 hours sleeping maybe 2 of them. Long story short, I ended up having a seizure due to lack of sleep, eating enough, and drinking enough water.
Sleep deprivation can lead to depression as well put your health in jeopardy.
I heard about this on the Albert Mohler Program yesterday and I found it VERY surprising.
I didn’t think that a teens bedtime would have such an influence on them, good or bad.
To answer the questions;
Q: What is a normal bedtime for you?
A: Probably between 11 and 12 at night.
Q: How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
A: 6-7 hrs of sleep, depending on the day.
Q: Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
A: Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t
Q: If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
A: Well I own 5 horses so they require me getting up early and being up late to feed them etc.
Q: What do you think of the study?
A: I think it’s very interesting and surprising!
Q: Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
A: I agree
* What is a normal bedtime for you?
My parents like me to be in my room by 8.30, although I don’t have to go to sleep then. I usually read, and go to sleep between 9 and 9.15 (the latter if the book is really good!)
* How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
about 9-91/2 hours
* Do you feel that you get enough sleep? Yes, I am usually never tired during the day.
*If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? If I do stay up later, it would be either because I’m engrossed in either something on the computer, or a book. I guess I could put the books down earlier…. 🙂
* What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I think a lot of teens don’t get enough sleep. When you have a full night’s sleep, you can study so much easier, and you’re not nodding off when someone tries to talk to you! I agree – sleep is very important, and it’s something we don’t do enough of. 🙂
# What is a normal bedtime for you?
I think around 11-12 on school nights and 12-2am during break.
# How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
6 on school nights and 8-9 during break (I like to sleep in when I have no plans for the morning :))
# Do you feel that you get enough sleep? No, and it definitely shows at school.
# What is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
I know this sounds stupid, but I think it’s influence from friends, since most of them sleep really late, even on school nights. It’s also the peak time for chatting on msn, when most of my friends are online. What I need is discipline! I already see my friends enough at school!
# What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I agree with what they said because lack of sleep tends to keep you from being motivated to work, and for me it regularly causes me to just sit at home alone with nothing to do, feeling sorry for myself.
Very interesting article! Thank you so much for sharing! How scary that teens who stay up later are more endangered of having major depression or suicidal thoughts? Yikes!
My parents never have to tell me to go to bed….I’m always asleep by 9:30 most nights.
Thank you for also sharing those bible verses to explain your point! I never really thought of it that way before, that God gave us sleep as a gift because since we are the creation, we need to rest. Very cool!
In Him,
Lexi <
One word: Ouch. 😛
Honestly, my sleeping hours range from fair to bad. I sleep late at night but get up late in the morning. Even then, I know that my body is not getting enough rest.
Thanks for that important reminder, Doctors Harris. 😀 God bless!
During the school year it’s 9:30-10, but during summer it’s 10-10:30.
Depending on how soon I get to sleep, it’s 8-10.
Yes, I do. When I am babysitting/mother’s helper at our good friends’ house, then I stay up too late (because it’s quiet after all the noise!) and don’t get enough sleep because I wake up early at their house.
It is very interesting, and I’m not surprised. I don’t think I’ve ever suffered depression because of lack of sleep, I just feel tired and grumpy.
* First of all I usually get in bed around 8:30 or 9:00 and fall asleep by 9:30 – 10:00.
* On average I would say I get about 9 hours of sleep each night because during the school year I have to be asleep by 9 – 9:30 and I wake up at about 7. During the summer I get at least that much sleep if not more.
* Yes I think I get enough sleep. Especially in the summer when I can sleep in! Yesterday I slept until 10:05!
* Yes I would say I’d have to agree with the study because I know when my sister doesn’t get enough sleep she is very cranky.
Beauty From the Heart has a really good article on overcoming depression. I found it very helpful.
~What is a normal bedtime for you?
9-9:30 Most of the time though I’m in bed by 9.
~How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
Probably around 8-9 hours of sleep
~Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Yeah, I believe I get enough sleep. On occasion I don’t but that’s very rare.
~What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I saw this on the news a couple days ago and the first thing I did was laugh. I understand that we need sleep and that it’s vital but…I don’t believe it is linked to depression. I’ve stayed up late before and not been depressed. Of course, I’m a little grumpy in the morning but…other than that I’m alright.
I could be wrong though. Lacking sleep could be the reason why some teens are so depressed. Who knows?
my usual bedtime is
9-10:00 But i usually dont fall asleep until 10:30-11:00
i sleep about 7 to 8 hours because of work
That’s an interesting article! I’ve never had issues with depression or anything, but I have noticed that when I don’t go to sleep at my normal time of 10:30, the next morning, I’m not wanting to get out of bed, and my mental state, isn’t its usual cheerful way. I know that God wants us to give all we have everyday, but it’s a lot harder to do that when you’re dead tired. God is so good in how He created us, to give us a time of rest!
*What is a normal bedtime for you?*
10-10:30 p.m.
*How many hours of sleep do you average per night?*
I aim for 8 hours, but often it’s more around 7 hours
*Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? *
I generally get enough sleep. When I don’t, it’s because I have a lot going on and prioritize other things above sleep, or because I’ve stayed up late spending time with family (which is important!) or reading a book (not so important!) But, reading a little bit before bed helps me settle down and sleep well.
*What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? *
This is an important study, and I agree that enough sleep is so helpful in a lot of ways! At college, I kept to the same bedtimes as much as possible, not staying up late with friends, but instead making sure that I got enough sleep. I was sometimes teased for this, but in a good-natured way. One friend pointed out that I got the most sleep of anyone in the theatre department, but another joined in with, “Yes, but she gets the most done as well!” Getting enough sleep helps you work more efficiently and productively the next day then when you pull late nights trying to finish homework. It all goes back to planning ahead and prioritizing well – which I definitely don’t have down perfectly! =)
As far as parents enforcing bedtimes, my parents never did when we were older. However, they taught us about the benefits of sleep, encouraged us to go to bed, and we quickly learned for ourselves that it was important to have a good, consistent bedtime!
Same with Alyssa C. 🙂 It’s ouch! But she’s worse. 😉
*What is a normal bedtime for you? 11pm-1am
* How many hours of sleep do you average per night? 5-7 hours but during school days sometimes I get only 4 (but that will not happen so often anymore since I’ve already graduated :)).
* Do you feel that you get enough sleep? I think 5-7 hours is enough for me. A friend told me that recent studies says that 5-7 hours is the measure of “enough” sleep. Too much or too little sleep will both cause harm.
* What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? Yes. All of us need the right amount of sleep. It’s a form of gaining energy and preparing for the next day’s activities.
This is such an important message for teens and 20somethings to hear.
I have had adrenal fatigue and a doctor somewhere along the line told me that the hours before midnight are the ones that actually replenish our adrenals and give us the stamina to make it through the next day.
I have friends who stay up all hours of the night because they “have too much to do,” yet I have seen them get sick, become depressed, not be able to think clearly, and many other things. I believe strongly that God created us to need a certain amount of sleep and not to push those boundaries except on rare occasions when it is necessary. It takes humility. I hate to admit that I need 9 hours of sleep on a consistent basis in order to function properly. I dislike that I’m tired by 9 when my brothers or friends want to stay up and talk. For me, however, this is a boundary that God has placed in my life and asked me to trust Him with and obey without question. I love how I feel when I’m rested. For me it’s worth it to say “Sorry, I know my day tomorrow will be affected if I stay up any later. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”
I normally go to bed around eleven or twelve, and get about six to nine hours of sleep each night (a wide range!).
Just out of curisoity: I feel this irrepressable urge to stay up at night to get things done. I sometimes feel like sleep is an overrated thing if we can function on less. I mean, I have so much I want to get done or can get done in a sixteen to eighteen hour period. So: is the hard (and right) thing to stay up because you want to learn as much as you possibly can, or is it going to bed at a reasonable hour? Reasonable hours seem like a waste of time when you can get so much more done. So what is your counsel, Mr. Harrises?
I actually found this out this year. I was depressed A LOT and my parent told me to go to bed earlier. (I had been staying up to get school done because I had procrastinated during the day.) I find that I am much more happy now and able to enjoy life. Two lessons: 1. Procrastination is really bad for me and 2. Even though I was trying to get much more done, I was actually hurting myself.
Thanks for posting this,
Danielle
Very interesting. My parent make me go to bed at 8:30 to 9’o’clock. Because of this i get at least 10 hours of sleep every night. My younger siblings are the same but some times they get probably 12 hours when they are very tired. We all get enough sleep in my family.
-What is a normal bedtime for you?
10:30-12:00
-How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
8-9
-Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
No, I really don’t feel that I do. Trivial things, like computers, books and schoolwork (which isn’t so trivial). The obstacles aren’t really that big, it just requires me to actually make an effort to change (which, though it sounds easy, is a very hard thing)
-What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I don’t know. I think that a lack of sleep contributes to other problems, like being tired and not as
productive, and falling behind in school, which could lead to depression.
But I know that I’m more emotional when I’m tired and the smallest thing seems huge.
I echo Joseph’s question, which is better?
This is extremely interesting– especially because I have a dear friend who is struggling with depression, and she often doesn’t go to bed until 2 or 3 in the morning. I should say didn’t go to bed until 2 or 3 in the morning. Now, after months of lack of sleep, her body is shutting down, and some days she can barely function, let alone get out of bed. I would GREATLY covet your prayers for her! She needs the Lord’s strength to make wise decisions in her life.
I personally fluctuate between going to bed @ 10 and 11, but am trying to go to bed earlier so that I can wake up earlier. I like to get up between 5:30 and 6:30 when the house is still quiet. 🙂
Normal bedtime: 11 pm-12 pm
How many hours of sleep do you average per night? About 7
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? No, but I’m not completely sleep deprived either
If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? Work mixed with procrasination during the day. I work best late at night but not in the morning. I feel like I can get more done at night, so I avoid going to bed as long as possible.
– What is a normal bedtime for you? It depends on the night.. Most nights 10:30 but Saturday nights I go to bed early since I have church in the morning.
– How many hours of sleep do you average per night? around 8 or 9 hours
-Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? Most of the time, but if not, it is probably reading or listening to music.
-What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions
I’m not sure actually.
Hey, Christy W.,
My sister suffers from adrenal fatigue as well. For her it causes her to be wide awake until unreasonable hours and to have a hard time getting up before 11 am. We’ve been giving her Melatonin, which is a natural med you can take to help calm your brain before bed. I don’t know if you suffer from the same problem, but I hope it helps.
~Kay Morris
Normal bedtime:
9:30-10:30 (although on nights when I’m working, I get to bed at about 11)
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
It varies–about 8
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
This varies, too. 🙂 During the school year when I go to bed at 11 and get up at 6, no–I don’t feel like I’m getting enough sleep. Then there are other times when I wake up refreshed and feel like I did get enough sleep.
My mom likes to remind us kids of this, and I like how you guys mentioned this in your article–that God doesn’t sleep! It makes me very thankful to know that my God is watching over me and that He is so powerful that He doesn’t NEED sleep, unlike me.
I am also learning to rely on God more when I don’t get enough sleep. Instead of being crabby and easily irritated due to lack of sleep, I am purposing to especially walk in the Spirit on those days. Thanks for this post!!!
1. Most of the time I’m in bed by 8:30-9, but I read for a long time (It’s the only time I really can, I’m the oldest of five so it can be… well loud).
2. I have no clue… it depends on when I wake up… anywhere between 7 and 10….
3. Uhh….. yeah…. I think so…. lol
Until I was about 11 years old, I had to be in bed by 7:00 every night. Every year, I would be allowed to stay up a little bit later. Until this past year, (I am 16 now) I was going to bed at 9:30 every night. When my fiance started courting me, My bedtimes shifted to around 11:30. And I am tired. Thankfully, from being homeschooled, I can sleep in. I get around 9 hours of sleep every night.
I think I get enough sleep, actually sleeping for more than 10 hours makes me feel sluggish all day. About 8 hours is perfect more me. And sometimes, I will take a nap. =)
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
Whenever I feel like it.
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
3-10. Today, I stayed up all night watching sermons online, believe it or not, I spent the last two hours with my Bible and my mp3 player, attempting a great seek of God. Kinda weird that you would ask this question. I fell asleep around 8 and woke back up at 11. Didn’t want to sleep all day.
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
My constant anxiety of the world around me keeps me from sleeping.
» What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I don’t know. I think it’s obvious that it doesn’t always matter what bed times you have, there is always going to be a percentage of teens with depression and suicidal thoughts. So it might be a bit irrelevant. I, personally, do suffer from teenager depression. Not suicidal thoughts. I’ve definitely taken into account if it were my constant rearranging of sleep schedules. I can never keep a good standard one. I get it from my mom. She’s the same way, which is why she’s never enforced a bedtime for us. When I went to public school and it mattered when I woke up at an exact time, I was constantly not able to sleep when my parents would finally tell me around midnight it was time to try to chill and get some rest. I’d just stare at the walls until 4am on end. I remember being 6 and worrying about stuff in my life when I lied awake in bed at night. One of those weird things about myself, I guess.
What is a normal bedtime for you?
I try to be in bed by 10 on weeknights and 11 on weekends
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
7-9
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
No, I do not feel that I get enough sleep, but then if I go to bed earlier I still won’t fall asleep until later. I think most of the problem is when I hang out with my friends. We do a lot of stuff together and it tends to run later in the evening especially on weekends.
I am also a lot like my mom who suffers from insomnia and this is something I can’t always control.
What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Honestly I don’t know. My friends and I all have busy schedules and it is hard to find times to get together.
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I agree, but as other people have said having a parent who cares does effect the sleep pattern
Another thing I would like to add is that Christy Wishart is completely right about the most important hours are before midnight. I have noticed this myself even though I do not have adrenal fatigue. It doesn’t matter if you sleep nine hours from 1am-9am if you don’t get at least two hours before midnight then you will still be wiped out by the next afternoon. This is why some of you who say you get nine hours of sleep are also saying your not rested.
Anyway, thank you for this reminder!
Lydia
THERE AINT NO PARTY LIKE THE SLEEP EARLY PART COZ THE SLEEP EARLY PARTY DONT STOP!
No, but really, this is a well needed assessment of how most of us, including myself, can waste our nights on facebook in an unhealthy way, and which probably leads us to waiting our next day. Props for sharing it, I needed it, for sure.
peace
I need to work on that. 🙂
Joseph Goodwin: Good questions! Here’s where I really appreciate what C.J. Mahaney has to say on this topic. He explains that going to sleep each night is actually an act of worship. By putting away our work we are saying, “God, I trust you to grant me the good gift of sleep, to sustain me through the night, and to work on my behalf while I rest and recuperate.” Staying up late night after night reinforces the idea that we must keep striving, striving, striving. We must certainly do hard things every day, but every night we should remind ourselves that we are fully dependent on God and acknowledge that dependence by going to bed. The Bible says, “It is vain that you rise up early and stay up late, eating the bread of anxious toil, for the Lord gives to His beloved sleep” (127:2). This doesn’t mean there is never a good reason to stay up late, but it does mean there are good reasons for going to bed early. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hey Brett, I just read what you said to Joseph and I have to say, that’s a really amazing way of looking at it.
I never thought of it that way, “that by going to sleep we are performing an act of worship”.
What is a normal bedtime for you?
11-2
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
5-7
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
No! I don’t think I get enough sleep. I guess cause sometimes I can’t sleep or I am reading
What would it take to remove those obstacles?
uh take a sleeping pill….and….lock up my books??
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I guess I’ll try it cause I have never thought of it that way. this has really opened up my eyes. I have struggled with depression for almost two years now. some days it is worse than others but this might help.
I usually go to bed at ll and get up and a quarter to five, that is my new scedual.
Um, I get, almost 6 hours of sleep, I don’t know what is the amount a person is supposed to get, I’ve heard everything from 5 to 9.
I do feel like I get enough sleep, except for the moment when the alarm goes off and I have to stumble about for about five minutes trying to wake up.
This was really interesting to read about. Usually I purposely sleep as little as I can so I am not plagued by nightmares, it was the only cure I could find, wearing myself out. But, I can see how it is true, I was depressed. However, I have since found a cure for nightmares 😀 God!
I also liked what Brett and Michael said. I think it, rather know, it does have a lot to do with parent, child relationship. And I know from experence that not sleeping was taking things into my own hands and not trusting God.
Thank you, Brett for your help! Could you provide me with a way to look over that message? I think it would be extremely hlepful. Thanks again.
»What is a normal bedtime for you? Usually around 11:00 pm.
How many hours of sleep do you average per night? Around six
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? Sometimes…no. Usually yes. Unless I didn’t get any sleep at all the night before, (i.e. staying over at a friend’s house) in which case I can sleep all day long.:P
I think there could be ground’s to this study actually. I have had some times of depression and suicidal thoughts, and they were usually late at night when I was emotionally AND physically exhausted from the day.
I didn’t even need a study to figure that out. When I get less sleep and when I’m up late at night I feel much more depressed than when I do get a good ammount of sleep. I think it also affected by how many hours total of sleep. I am homeschooled so I can sleep in sometimes.
» What is a normal bedtime for you? Midnight-ish
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night? 10-11 hours
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? When I get about 8 hours of sleep or so I don’t feel like I got enough.
If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? My parents’ computer room is right next to my room and I have trouble sleeping with light and noise, so my natural reaction is to stay up late to avoid laying in bed for hours annoyed by the light.
What would it take to remove those obstacles? Talking to my parents and somehow working something out if possible.
» What do you think of the study? Personally, for me I knew what the results are. My sleep hours have changed a LOT, and I know how effective sleep or the lack can be.
Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions? Without a study I still agree.
— What is a normal bedtime for you?
It varies from about 10:30 PM – 12:30 AM. On weekends I might get to bed later.
— How many hours of sleep do you average per night? 8-10 hours. On the weekends, maybe more like 10-11 hours.
— Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
Absolutely… if I get any less then 8 and 1/2 on a regular basis I feel tired. I can do the odd day with as little as 6, but right now I think I overall get enough sleep. If I don’t, I just take a one hour nap in the afternoon as a refresher.
— If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
I feel like there is so much to do at night! Since I share a room with two other sisters, I really like the quiet that comes after they and the family have gone to bed. I want that time to write in my diary, read my bible, listen to music, pray, and sometimes read other books by myself. I find nighttime very peaceful and a nice time to be up.
— What would it take to remove those obstacles?
It is so easy for me to feel that in that one or two hour space between 10 PM and 12 AM I need to do everything. I probably could find some other time in the day to do at least one of those things. It may be laziness on my part, but I’m not sure. I probably need to find a better way to get a quiet time by myself rather then do it all at night when I’m already a bit tired. I’m still thinking on that one.
— What do you think of the study?
I think that it’s not so much an issue of ‘are you staying up late at night’, as it is ‘are you getting enough sleep?’ I personally love nighttime, and think it’s fine to stay up late as long as you’re getting enough sleep. But a person has to be careful; if they need to wake up early the next morning, or if they are already tired and still trying to stay up late, just go to bed early and plan so that you will get that amount of hours that you need. We have to be wise and good stewards of our own bodies and minds, and should know our own limits – but it’s not a hard and fast rule, getting to bed ‘on time’ (unless an authority or parents has enforced it) . It’s a personal decision and issue for teens and their parents to decide. The study does make sense, though, and I would agree that lack of sleep isn’t beneficial to teens and young people.
True…I wondered about this myself sometimes
Josiah
What is a normal bedtime for you?
My bedtime is 10:00, but I usually end up going to bed 10:30-11:00.
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
Probably 7-8, although I got 6 1/2 last night (last night was not normal).
Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
I feel really tired for the first five minutes or so after I get up, then I’m fine for the rest of the day. 🙂
What do you think of the study?
I think it’s interesting. When I deprive myself of sleep, I do find myself more grumpy. I think there are other factors that lead to depression, though (how involved one’s parents are, what friends one hangs out with, etc.).
What is a normal bedtime for you?
i go to bed at like 9:30 and then listen to my ipod for bout an hour then i go to sleep sumwhere at 10:30.
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
bout 8
Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
yeah i guess. i can go with only a bit of sleep
If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep?
anger…
What would it take to remove those obstacles?
dunno
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
i think their findings are accurate enough.. i kno i get more depressed when i stay up late and am on bebo, msn and such.
Hmmm…I’ve heard of this before, but never fully believed it, no matter how much it proved to be true for me. 😛
1. Lately…around 11pm-12 am
2. 6-8 hours each night usually.
3. No…I’m always dragging in the morning and tired during the day. 😕 What is keeping me from getting more sleep…too much time with certain friends, computer, reading, school, and I don’t know what else. It would take me making more priorities in life, cutting time on the computer, doing schoolwork ahead of time instead of last minute, saying good-night to people sooner.
4. I don’t quite agree with it, since no matter how late I stayed up, I didn’t go quite as far as being suicidal and I have friends who aren’t like that at all despite staying up crazy late. I was depressed so many say, but I wasn’t seriously thinking of killing myself. I do agree that it’s better if one gets more sleep. My attitude and my friends’ attitudes are WAY improved if we ever happen to get more sleep at night. It’s interesting. For the most part, I agree with it…since they make a pretty good argument and I can see it for myself with certain people.
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
I normally am asleep around ten pm.
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
I get about eight.
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
I do feel I’m getting enough sleep. I am definitely someone who needs their sleep, so any less than eight hours and I am feeling it the next day.
» What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I absolutely agree. Of the people I know with depression, they don’t sleep. Part of this could be because depression can make getting enough sleep difficult… But yeah, I would agree with this.
I go to bed about 11.
I get about 8 hours of sleep.
I feel really rested most of the time.
I totally agree with the study. Most people I know who are depresses have a horrible lack of sleep.
I have question. The purpose of the rebelution is to encourage young people to “do hard things” and to “rebel against the low expectations of today’s culture”. I think this is absolutely wonderful, and I have a few ideas brewing on how I am going to do this.
But how can you tell the difference between doing “hard things” and just plain doing too much?
I am one of those people that never seems to know when to stop – I push myself so hard that I end up making myself sick from lack of sleep and stress. I know that this is wrong; lately God has really been showing me the importance of caring for myself, because my body is a stewardship – a gift – given from Him. but I’m having a hard time knowing where to draw the line. You Harris boys are doing so much – writing articles, having conferences, keeping updated and involved with current events, going to college, maintaining a good relationship with God, family, and friends as well as many other things. I know this takes a lot of time – you’ve admitted yourselves that you’ve pulled many all-nighters. How do you keep your life balanced so that you give glory to God not only in what you do, but also in how you care for yourself?
Thank you so much for all the encouraging articles that are here. God has given you guys much talent, thank you for using it to His glory!
I usually get to bed around 9 or 9:30.
I get 8 to 9 hours of sleep.
I also usually feel rested most of the time.
When I have to I can get by on 6 to 7 hours, which sometimes happens.
I thought that this article was very interesting, but more so convicting. I happened to be checking my email at 11:45 p.m. when I opened up “The Rebelution: email update” and started reading… About half way through I stopped, looked at the clock, and then scanned through the rest of the page as fast as I could. I then quickly went to bed kicking myself for staying up so late, hoping that I would not wake up depressed in the morning.
I usually go to bed around 10 to 11, and get around 9 to 10 hours of sleep. I think that for the most part I get plenty of sleep… But that is only because I sleep so long. I have a bad habit of “forgetting” to go to bed and end up reading, writing, or talking late into the night. But along with my absentmindedness to go to bed comes the resistance to get up. I sleep in way to late and get angry with myself for wasting so much daylight underneath the covers in my soft bed.
I agree with this study and not only do I think that the art of going to bed applies to people with depression, but to the night owls like me who refuse to go to bed at a normal hour. I do not spend the amount of time I should reading the Word of God, nor do I reach my full potential during the day. God created us to sleep therefore it is vital.
Thanks for posting this guys. It was a good wake up call for me. I think that God is trying to show me something, maybe one of the “hard things” for me to do is simply to go to bed so that I can use my time more effectively for the glory of God.
Bedtime: about 10:30
Hours of sleep: weekdays 7; weekend – 9
Result: Sometimes I don’t feel very energetic at school. (sometimes headaches result)
Conclusion: I should try to get more sleep on weekdays. However, the amount of work/study I have to do does not give me much free time… the two need to be balanced.
The study is particularly good for our generation.
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
10-11
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
School year: 7-8; right now: 9-10
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
When I get more than eight I feel pretty good. When I get less I can tell, especially if I get a streak going. The main obstacle is distraction by the TV. My dad will be watching a show and I’ll sit down telling myself I’ll only watch for a few minutes and then I end up having to finish the show. The best thing I can do is quit telling myself that I will be able to watch for just a few minutes. Right now I don’t really have a problem because I can get to bed a little later and still get plenty of sleep.
» What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
There’s definitely validity to the study though I think other factors that play a role in the lack of sleep probably also play a role in the depression. I can say from experience that being tired tends to make things seem a lot bigger and intimidating than they really are. For instance I can feel overwhelmed at night and then I’ll go to sleep and when I wake up the next morning I can’t understand why I was having trouble. If someone were to consistently get too little sleep that would make them tired not just late at night and would very easily lead to depression.
I go to bed between 11 and 11:30.
I must wake up at 6, so I get 6-7 hours of sleep.
I admit, most days I feel very tired, especially when I’m forcing myself to get out of bed to prepare for another fast-paced day of work. However, I don’t see a way to change my schedule at this time because of my job, which is actually part of my family’s ministry. As long as I am “running” during the day (complemented by snacking and coffee), I feel fine though. It’s when I stop and think about what I’m doing that I feel like collapsing. I would also admit to being over-emotional and somewhat irritable at times, as others have mentioned…
This discussion and study is very interesting to me because I have been thinking that I really am doing the “hard thing” for my life right now. But now I question that and wonder if my and my family’s schedule is very un-healthy for us.
On the other hand, I’ve heard that one’s body becomes accustomed to how much sleep it may have, and that one can get used to anything. Therefore, if I continue getting 6 hours of sleep, I will eventually be able to function comfortably with that amount… And this is what I would like to believe.
Then I would say that depression may have something related to the amount of sleep, but is probably caused more by other concerns.
» What is a normal bedtime for you?
12-3
» How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
5-8 hrs.
» Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Not really.
I think that it’s because I have nine younger siblings and after midnight they’re all in bed.
That’s my quiet time.
A freak accident! (Just kidding)
» What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
Very interesting study.
I’m not sure wether I agree or disagree.
Anytime I’m depressed it’s because of events going on not lack of sleep.
What is a normal bedtime for you?
school nights 9:30-11
weekend nights or summer nights 11
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
school nights 8-10
weekend nights or summer nights 10-11
Do you feel that you get enough sleep?
Yes I do
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I think the study is….interesting. And I totally agree with their conclusion. I’ve never thought of it that way before. But, it’s true! Whenever I don’t get more than 9 hours of sleep each night then I seem cranky and depressed the next day. But, I’m glad they made that observation, it’s interesting and I think I’ll mention it to my friends, because they usually go to bed around 2 and get up at 5:30-6
I’m currently a 2nd year college student who is majoring in Psychology right now. and I personally agree with the topic. But honestly it’s a major wake up call even for me. Thanks for posting this, even if this reply is way late. =)
* What is a normal bedtime for you? sadly it ranges from 10pm-2am
* How many hours of sleep do you average per night? 6 hours
* Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles? no, I dont get enough sleep on mwf nights because my classes end at 7pm and i have classes the next day at 7am. the thing that keeps me from getting enough sleep is studying. ugh! study earlier, and leave facebook alone.
* What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
well the study is american based, so technically its a bit hard for me to relate it in our situation here in the Philippines (we are late owls). but then I personally agree with the conclusions, I mean when you dont get enough sleep, you have a hard time focusing on studying, and when you cant focus easily, you get bad grades then it leads to stress, then depression. its more like a process (and its from experience also).
What is a normal bedtime for you?
During the school year, its 9:30 – 10 but during the summer i pretty much go to bed whenever as long as im quiet haha.
How many hours of sleep do you average per night?
Well thats hard to say.. some nights i sleep like a baby, then other nights i barely sleep at all.
Do you feel that you get enough sleep? If not, what is keeping you from getting more sleep? What would it take to remove those obstacles?
Im not sure what the obstacles are.. I just cant get to sleep. Or Ill go to sleep then wake up in the middle of the night and go back to sleep 3 hours later.
What do you think of the study? Do you agree or disagree with their conclusions?
I think for some people this study might be true, im not exactly “depressed” when i dont get the proper amount of sleep, just a little cranky.
Funny I was chatting with a friend about this just the other day, we share the same views.
Not being able to sleep is apart of being depressed one of the symptoms actually along with many others. Its either you get too much sleep or you dont sleep enough.
Thank you for this blog post, it was just what I was looking for. There is so much information here, so I thank you so much for enlightening my mind.
7
Some teens suffer from insomnia, so they would consider sleep a blessing also.
I completely agree with this article. I believe a earlier bedtime definitely leads to less depression and to a happier life. I typically go to bed around 10 and wake up at 5. I found going to bed earlier and waking up earlier not only took away stress, but gave me more energy and focus throughout the day.
Amen. Did you know that teenagers are supposed to get at least 9 hours of sleep at night? That means that most teens, including me, are sleep deprived.
That doesn’t surprise me at all. Some teenagers do get enough sleep, but they stay up late and sleep in late. I find that the later I sleep in, the more I just want to go back to sleep throughout the day.
I have noticed that! That’s an excellent point.
I find this dubious from personal experience. My parents enforced a bedtime for me until just recently. Most nights I had to be in bed before 9:30 pm. It did nothing to help my depression. Now that I have no restrictions on when I decide to go to bed, I find that I stay up late not because I want to, but because I’m afraid of going to sleep. It generally depresses me to sleep. Why that is so is a whole different story, but I’m just saying that I personally think that lack of sleep does not cause depression. I think depression causes lack of sleep.
I find that when I go to bed late I am more productive. When I sleep it is always nightmares, I work better at night. Ask me to take a test at night I will always get a better grad than if I take it in the morning. Sleeping only makes me feel sluggish through out the day. I do not often get depressed unless something comes up (death of family member, something to remind me of my bio father, loss of friends ect) But I do agree this makes logical sense just not for me personally.