Data-Driven Discoveries:  Key research findings using Raine Study data

Poor sleep behaviour across childhood and adolescent years is related to poorer physical and mental health in young adulthood. Participants with less sleep problems, such as sleeping less than most kids, less trouble sleeping, less nightmares, less talking/walking in sleep showed better physical and mental health outcomes in adulthood.

Sleep regularity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are both thought to contribute to hypertension. This study found that this was the case, highlighting the potential importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns, especially for people with OSA, as it may help reduce the risk of hypertension. This study helps to identify treatment strategies for issues like high blood pressure in people with OSA.

Influence of Diet on Mental Health.
This study found that Australian adolescents have two distinct dietary patterns: a “Western” pattern high in unhealthy foods like take-away, soft drinks, and processed meats, and a “healthy” pattern with more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Researchers found that healthy patterns were inversely associated with television viewing, amongst other things.

Eating a good breakfast that includes at least three out of five* main food groups is important to good mental health in adolescence. These findings support the idea that quality of breakfast is an important part of mental health in early adolescence. * 1.Bread/cereals 2.Veges 3. Fruit 4.Dairy 5.Meat, eggs, nuts, vegetarian meats.

Consuming a 'Western*' diet was linked to higher risk of mental health problems including depressive symptoms, in adolescents. Conversely, a ‘Healthy’ diet appeared to be protective against these issues. * High intake of red meat, takeaways, highly processed foods and confectionary.