If your teenager seems down in the dumps lately, it may not be because that boy at school doesn't like her after all. In fact, it could have nothing to do with her friends, not being popular, not making the cheerleading team, and not getting those Jonas Brothers tickets she has begged and begged for. Her moodiness and downright depressive behavior is not just an age thing-- it's a sleep thing too.

According to the website eFitnessnow.com, the rise of depression in adolescents, as shown in recent studies, may have something to do with lack of sleep. Reports have shown that too little sleep can lead to obesity and of course fatigue, but up until now, it has never been completely linked to depression.

A study in New York has discovered that link. Adolescents who participated in the study were either getting enough or too little sleep. Those who weren’t getting enough sleep were over 70% more likely to suffer symptoms of depression, as well as 48% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. That is no small number considering the recent national conversation about the start of the school day.

Recently, because of studies like these, many states have started talking about moving the beginning of the school day back by a few hours. It is already a known fact that adolescents who are middle and high school aged require more sleep in general. Because of this, the 7:30 in the morning start time has started to gain increasing criticism from action groups all over the country.
Studies are also pointing to evidence that shows adults who suffer from depression, an increased sleep regimen might be helpful in the long run.