Summary: A new longitudinal study suggests that physical activity during adolescence can reduce the likelihood that sleep problems persist into young adulthood.
Source: James Cook University.
Overview
A collaborative study by researchers at James Cook University and the University of Queensland followed more than 3,600 participants from age 14 through age 21 to examine how sleep problems emerge and persist from adolescence into young adulthood. The findings highlight both risk factors that predict ongoing sleep difficulties and a promising, non-pharmacological strategy for prevention.
Dr. Yaqoot Fatima of JCU’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health, a co-author on the study, reports that roughly one in four 14-year-olds described frequent sleep problems. Among that group, more than 40 percent still reported sleep difficulties at age 21, indicating substantial continuity for many young people.
“Sleep problems are not static,” Dr. Fatima explains. “Different influences are strongest at different ages, and mental health, family factors and lifestyle all play roles.”
Key risk factors by age
At age 14, the study found that several maternal and early-life influences were strong predictors of adolescent sleep problems. Maternal drug abuse, smoking, depression and anxiety during the child’s early life were associated with higher rates of sleep disturbance in adolescence. These perinatal and early childhood exposures appear to shape vulnerability to sleep difficulties as teens enter puberty.
By age 21, the most significant predictors shifted to factors reflecting individual development and lifestyle. Females were more likely than males to report persistent sleep problems, and adolescents who experienced earlier pubertal development showed higher risk. Tobacco smoking also predicted sleep problems in young adulthood.
Across both ages, the presence of depression or anxiety during adolescence increased the likelihood that sleep problems would continue into adulthood. “It’s a vicious circle,” Dr. Fatima notes. “Depression and anxiety are well-established risk factors for poor sleep, and chronic sleep problems often worsen mood and anxiety symptoms.”
Screen time and sleep
The analysis also identified heavy electronic media use as an emerging risk factor. Among children and adolescents, extensive screen time is strongly associated with later bedtimes and shorter total sleep duration, both of which increase the risk of developing persistent sleep disturbances.
Exercise as a protective factor
Importantly, the study found that an active lifestyle reduced the future incidence and progression of sleep problems, even after controlling for body mass index and other lifestyle variables. Regular physical activity during adolescence appears to exert a protective effect, lowering the likelihood that sleep difficulties will persist into young adulthood.
These results suggest that early exercise interventions may be a practical, low-risk strategy to prevent sleep problems from becoming chronic. Encouraging adolescent participation in regular physical activity could provide a valuable window for intervention before sleep issues consolidate into long-term patterns.
Implications and next steps
The findings are concerning because they indicate both a high prevalence of sleep problems in young people and a substantial probability that these problems will continue into later life. Persistent sleep disturbances in adolescence and young adulthood can increase vulnerability to mood disorders and other health consequences.
Future research, according to the authors, should investigate which factors cause sleep problems in young adults to continue as they age and identify the most effective prevention strategies. The research team plans follow-up studies to clarify which early interventions—particularly those involving physical activity and mental health support—best reduce the long-term burden of sleep problems.
Study: “Continuity of sleep problems from adolescence to young adulthood: results from a longitudinal study.”
Authors: Fatima Y, Doi SAR, Najman JM, Al Mamun A.
Publication: Sleep Health. Published online May 9, 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2017.04.004
Dataset: The analysis used sleep data from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy cohort, with 14-year follow-up (n = 4,924) and 21-year follow-up (n = 3,660). Sociodemographic, lifestyle and psychological variables were evaluated as predictors. The study applied modified Poisson regression with robust error variance and used inverse probability weights to account for attrition.
Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence on the incidence and continuity of sleep problems from adolescence into young adulthood. This study examined how common sleep problems are at ages 14 and 21 and how often adolescent sleep difficulties persist into young adulthood.
Methods: Sleep measures from the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy cohort were analyzed at age 14 (n = 4,924) and age 21 (n = 3,660). The role of sociodemographic, lifestyle and psychological factors was assessed using modified Poisson regression and inverse probability weighting to adjust for dropout.
Results: At age 14, 26.0% of participants reported frequent sleep problems; at age 21, 28.3% reported frequent sleep problems. Of adolescents with sleep problems at 14, 41.7% continued to experience frequent sleep problems at 21. Perinatal and early-life maternal factors—such as maternal drug abuse, smoking, depression and anxiety—predicted adolescent sleep problems. Female sex, advanced pubertal stage and smoking were important predictors at 21. Adolescent depression/anxiety supported the continuity of sleep problems, while regular exercise showed a protective association.
Conclusion: Sleep problems are common in adolescence and young adulthood, and nearly half of adolescent sleep difficulties persist into young adulthood. Early interventions, including promotion of physical activity and attention to mental health and early-life risk factors, may help prevent the continuation and progression of sleep problems into later life stages.
James Cook University. Study suggests exercise may prevent persistent sleep problems in young people. NeuroscienceNews. 2017.