Researchers from Columbia University Medical Centre in New York have found that going to bed earlier can protect teenagers from  Depression and suicidal thoughts.

Of the 15,500 12 to 18 year olds involved in the research those who went to bed after midnight were found to be 24% more likely to have Depression  than those who went before 2200.

Also, those who slept fewer than five hours a night had a 71% hgher risk of Depression than those who slept for eight hours.

Furthermore, those whose bedtime was after midnight were 20% more likely to think about suicide than those whose bedtime was 2200 or earlier.

The study leader Dr James Gangwisch said although it was possible that youngsters with Depression struggle to sleep, the fact that parental set bedtimes were linked with Depression suggests that a lack of sleep is somehow underpinning the development of the condition.

For more information on getting a good night's sleep you can read the Depression Alliance Scotland Sleep Factsheet.

To read the full related article on this research visit BBC News 2/1/10