Sleep deprivation is a crucial component of the rise of mental health issues among youth.

Question

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-07-22/mental-health-sleep-deprivation-teens

Only 20% of high schoolers are getting adequate sleep at night. Furthermore, there is evidence that this lack of sleep is linked to depression, anxiety, and even suicide rates. It also is related to lack of judgement and impulsive tendencies, and it is important to modify one's behavior to improve their sleeping habits.

Answer 1

This claim is 100% valid and draws from a reliable source in the latimes. I think when looking at the rise of mental health issues in youth it's also important to note the various factors that contribute to a sleep deprivation and a lack of a consistent sleep schedule. Teenagers and children have grown up constantly on their phones, lowering their attention span and causing increased risk of lack of sleep. 90% of included studies in a literature review found an association between screen time and delayed bedtime or decreased total sleep. Going to bed on time gives our bodies a chance to rest and recover, however, often teenagers are so glued to their phone and doom scrolling that they forget to put it down to go to bed.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839336/#:~:text=Summary,and%20the%20majority%20of%20adolescents.&text=In%20a%20recent%20literature%20review,or%20decreased%20total%20sleep%20time.&text=Proposed%20mechanisms%20include%20displacement%20of,exposure%2C%20and%20increased%20physiological%20alertness.&text=This%20pervasive%20phenomenon%20of%20pediatric,to%20foster%20healthy%20sleep%20habits.

Answer 2

This is a true claim that is backed not only by the reputable source offered in the post but by other studies. According to "Among teens, sleep deprivation an epidemic" by Stanford Medicine, teens need at least 5 hours of sleep and even then can show signs of sleep deprivation. There are multiple factors contributing to a lack of sleep, from school work to social pressures. A lack of sleep can impact their control and the way they experience their emotions. 

Comments

This is a good fact-check! I appreciate the way you included your research from Stanford Medicine.

Answer 3

This claim is true and readers can trust that it is fact-checked as the LA Times is a known and reliable source. Additionally, there are many other reports for example the Surgeon General's Health Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. In his research, Dr. Vivek Murthy explains that children who spend increased time on social media get less sleep and have higher rates of depression and anxiety.

Answer 4

This claim is true and can be backed by research. According to the National Library of Medicine, an online library filled with factual journal articles, sleep deprivation in adolescents is correlated with mental health issues in young adults. The research provided proves this claim and provides logical evidence to support the LA Times article.

Excerpt: " In fact, insomnia in the general teenage population is associated with mental health difficulties later in life and increased risk of interpersonal problems and psychiatric disturbances, which may include mood and anxiety disorders, risk-taking behaviors, substance use disorders, and higher suicidal risk [15,16,17]"

Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10136689/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20insomnia%20in%20the,15%2C16%2C17%5D.