Health News

Study Reveals That Gay Youths Have More Than Double the Chances of Developing Sleep Trouble

A study published in the journal LGBT Health reveals that more than 1 in 3 gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Researchers scrutinized data from over 8,500 young people aged 10 to 14 (a crucial time for mental and physical maturation). They found that 35.1% of those recognized as gay, lesbian, or bisexual had trouble falling or staying asleep in the previous two weeks, contrasting 13.5% of straight-identifying adolescents. Additionally, 30.8% of surveyed youths who were not sure of being gay, lesbian, or bisexual documented problems acquiring a full night's rest.

Jason M. Nagata, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, and the study's lead author said, "LGBTQ youths can confront bullying and intolerance at school or conflicts at home that contribute to mental health issues. These issues can hold them from falling or staying asleep."

The authors recommend that teenagers should establish consistent sleep schedules, ensure comfortable sleeping environments, and limit their exposure to electronic devices and social media before bed to get a good night's sleep.