A recent study published in the journal LGBT Health reveals that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths have a higher risk of experiencing sleep difficulties than their heterosexual counterparts. Researchers examined data from over 8,500 young people aged between 10 and 14, a critical age for mental and physical development, and found that 35.1% of those who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual had problems with falling or staying asleep in the previous two weeks. This number is significantly higher compared to the 13.5% of straight-identifying adolescents who reported similar sleep problems. The study also found that questioning youths, those who answered “maybe” to being gay, lesbian or bisexual, reported problems with getting a full night’s rest in 30.8% of cases.
Lead author Jason M. Nagata, a professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized that sleep is a critical component of teenagers' health, and LGBTQ youths may experience bullying and discrimination at school or conflicts at home, which may contribute to mental health issues and sleep disorders. Additionally, adolescents who get insufficient sleep may have difficulty completing schoolwork and facing other academic challenges, which can exacerbate some of the school-based problems that LGBTQ youth already face.
Although existing research already points to increased sleep issues among sexual minorities, Nagata said this is the first time gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths have been the focus. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study provided the data, and Nagata’s team used the data from 2018 to 2020, including questions for both the subjects and their parents about their sleep habits. Further research may reveal other factors that contribute to sleep disorders among queer youths, Nagata said.
Nagata recommends that teenagers establish consistent sleep schedules, make sure their sleeping environments are comfortable, and limit their exposure to electronic devices and social media before bed. Co-author Kyle T. Ganson, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, said parents can also help by being actively involved in their children’s lives and supportive of their identities and any feelings they may be exploring. He added that understanding this process and being present to support it is crucial for positive health outcomes. The research findings highlight the need for schools and parents to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youths, which can help reduce bullying and discrimination and promote positive mental health outcomes.