One of the largest epidemiologic studies of insomnia among adolescents ever conducted has revealed that youths with insomnia, especially chronic insomnia, are at greater risk of future somatic and psychological problems.
The study collected data from more than 4,000 youths between 11 and 17 years of age, with a follow-up one year later on more than 3,000 of them. Almost 14 percent suffered from one or more symptoms of insomnia, and almost half of those had chronic insomnia.
Among those who suffered from insomnia, there was an link to both somatic and psychological dysfunctions. The link to psychological dysfunction was particularly strong.