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By: The opinion Posted Mar 25, 2023, 23:59 pm EDT
Emotional and family problems may lead lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth to have older chances of reporting trouble falling asleep or stay asleep.
A new national study, published in LGBT Health, finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are twice as likely to report trouble falling asleep or stay asleep than their heterosexual peers.
Increased depression, stress and family conflicts contribute to sleep problems.or young LGB, reports the study that analyzed thousands of young people identified with these sexual preferences.
“Young people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual can experience discrimination and negative attitudes because of their sexual orientation. These experiences can make it more difficult for them to get a good night’s sleep.or,” says lead author Jason Nagata, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco.
“Difficulties in getting along with the family, feeling sad and hopeless, and being under a lot of pressure they could make it difficult for young lesbians, gays and bisexuals to sleep well, ”adds the specialist.
The details of the study
To carry out the investigation, scientists analyzed data from 8,563 young people ages 10 to 14 which are part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term study of childhood brain development and health in the United States. The data was collected between 2018 and 2020.
The youth and their parents answered questions about their sleep habits and young people were asked about their sexual orientationhe. Young people who questioned their sexuality (for example, who responded “maybe” to being gay, lesbian, or bisexual) also had a higher risk of sleep problems compared to their heterosexual peers.
“The Families should provide support by being present and encouraging young people’s exploration of their identity and developing a sense of self,” said co-author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work at the University of Toronto.
“Adolescent development is a difficult time for many, given the social pressures and the physical, psychological and emotional changes that occur. Understanding this process and being there to support it is crucial. to obtain positive results for health”, he adds.
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