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Early adolescent physical activity, sleep and symptoms of depression at 16 years of age

Rebecca F Slykerman1, John Md Thompson2, Christin Coomarasamy2

  • 1Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Physical activity and sleep in early adolescence did not predict later depressive symptoms. This study found no protective effect of activity or sleep on adolescent depression in a general population cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Adolescent health
  • Mental health research
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Depressive symptoms are a significant concern in adolescence.
  • Understanding predictors of adolescent depression is crucial for prevention.
  • Previous research suggests physical activity may influence mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early adolescent physical activity and sleep with depressive symptoms at age 16.
  • To examine if objectively measured physical activity and sleep in mid-adolescence predict later depression.
  • To analyze these relationships within a prospective cohort study.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study followed children from birth to age 16.
  • Participants included children born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA).
  • Physical activity and sleep were objectively measured using accelerometers at age 11; depression was assessed at age 16.

Main Results:

  • 15.6% of 467 adolescents reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms at age 16.
  • Objectively measured physical activity at age 11 was not significantly associated with depressive symptoms at age 16.
  • Sleep duration and quality at age 11 also showed no significant association with later depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Objective measures of physical activity and sleep in mid-adolescence do not predict future depressive symptoms in a healthy community cohort.
  • While interventions may help depressed adolescents, general adolescent physical activity and sleep do not appear to prevent future depression.
  • Further research may explore other factors influencing adolescent mental health.
Abstract

Keywords:
children and adolescentsdepressionlongitudinal studyphysical activity

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