A new mental health study from Columbia University strengthened the argument that a lack of sleep can cause depression in teens, as opposed to simply being a symptom of depression.

Teens who were allowed to go to bed past midnight were 24% more likely to be depressed than teens whose parents set a bedtime at or before 10 p.m., according to the findings presented in the journal Sleep. Earlier bedtimes may be protective because they increase the likelihood of getting enough sleep. This is the first study to show that sleep deprivation may cause depression in adolescents. “Adequate quality sleep can be a preventive measure against depression and a treatment for depression,” according to James Ganwisch, the study’s lead author.

We are already well aware of the physical health benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, and now we are becoming aware of sleep’s mental health benefits. So make your bedroom a proper place for sleep, make sure you have a comfortable pillow and mattress, and get to bed at a decent hour to maintain or improve your overall mental and physical well-being.

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