Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Contribute to Improve Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms?

Epidemiology of insomnia in adolescents Insomnia symptoms are prevalent in both adults and children [1-4]. Female sex [4], low socioeconomic status [2], stressful life events [2], and poor general and mental health [5] are commonly identified risk factors. In particular, female sex is a consistent risk factor for insomnia in adult and elderly populations in terms of the higher prevalence, more persistent natural course [6], and more serious health-related repercussions [7]. For example, stronger impacts of insomnia symptoms on pain perception [8], increased cortisol awakening response [9], and resistant hypertension [10] were found in adult females when compared with adult males. Interestingly, most studies did not find any sex differences in insomnia in children [1,5,6]. Thus, puberty has been postulated as a critical stage for the development of insomnia and the emergence Insomnia and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents: Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Contribute to Improve Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms?