A new study suggests that children who experience consistently poor or insufficient sleep during their early years may face a higher risk of developing depression during adolescence. Researchers say establishing healthy sleep habits in childhood could play an important role in supporting long-term mental health.

Experts from the University of Birmingham have urged parents to take an active role in improving their children’s sleep routines. According to the researchers, quality sleep is essential not only for physical development but also for emotional and psychological well-being.

The study highlights sleep as a modifiable factor that can be improved through early intervention. Researchers noted that addressing sleep problems in childhood is often easier than treating more complex emotional and mental health issues later in life.

The research analyzed data from more than 15,000 children who participated in the well-known long-term research project, Children of the Nineties. The project tracks various aspects of child health and development over time.

Researchers recorded the duration of children’s nighttime sleep at multiple stages of early childhood, including at 6 months, 18 months, 30 months, 3.5 years, 4–5 years, 5–6 years, and 6–7 years of age. The data was then examined to assess the relationship between early sleep patterns and mental health outcomes in later years.

The findings suggest that promoting healthy sleep habits from an early age may help reduce the risk of mental health problems, particularly depression, during adolescence. Researchers said parents and caregivers can support children’s long-term well-being by encouraging consistent and adequate sleep routines.

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