Depression and Oversleeping in Western Adolescents Assessment

Assignment Overview

Rationale

Depression is known as the feeling of sinking under the weight of existence – coming from the Latin word “Depressio” (Rondon, 2018). The symptoms of depression can be identified as alteration in moods, self-perception, vegetative changes and a complete drop in motivation. Depression can come from genetic, biological, hormonal, and other factors in an individual’s life. Previous studies have identified an increase of depressive symptoms in adolescence (Josko-Ochojska, 2015). It has been seen in a previous study conducted by the Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences that there could be a direct link between oversleeping and depression (Dabas, 2023).

Oversleeping can lead to different hormone imbalances, which can furthermore result in an increased risk of depression. Hypersomnia and sleep inertia are sleep disorders that are commonly researched on when finding effects of prolonged and disrupted sleep patterns, similar to narcolepsy and other circadian rhythm disorders. 

According to a study by Vic health and the Sleep Health Foundation, the average sleep per night an adolescent receives sits around 6.5-7.5 hours per night in a predominately western cultured sample grab https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/teenagers-and-sleep

Melatonin, which relates to an individuals’ circadian rhythm and 24-hour sleep cycle, rises at night, and lowers in the day. When a person releases or takes too much melatonin, they can experience symptoms such as nausea, disorientation, irritability and can impact mood – which can contribute to a risk of short-term depression and lower moods, though not very severe.

However, a more common contribution to depression in relation to oversleeping, is the decrease of serotonin produced in sleep. Serotonin is the ‘happy hormone,’ as it regulates moods and focus.

Research Question: How d\\oes oversleeping affect depression rates in adolescence in western cultures?

EVALUATION

Data Table + Graph – only include the relevant information

IDENTIFY – (Linked directly to the evidence) Trends (increase, decreases, differences etc.)

• Patterns/Relationships, when one thing happens, so does another.
• Statistical significance, standard Deviation, errors, P value, correlation coefficient.

Limitations

• Study design
• Participants
• Sample Size
• Location
• Data Collection Methods

Variables

• Confounding
• Extraneous
• Ability to answer your RQ fully

How good are the sources. Suggest improvement and extensions. Doesn’t show validilty for western culutures could become crosssectinial.

No, there not enough significant research to answer my research question, however there is validity to say that sleep disturbances affect depression rates as a whole, and over each cultire despite the differences.

Assessment Requirements Summary

The assessment focuses on exploring the relationship between depression and oversleeping in adolescents within Western cultures. Key elements to be addressed include:

1. Understanding Depression: Definition, symptoms, causes (genetic, biological, hormonal), and impact on adolescents.

2. Oversleeping and Its Effects: Hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders (hypersomnia, sleep inertia, circadian rhythm disorders), and their potential contribution to depression.

3. Research Question: How does oversleeping affect depression rates in adolescents in Western cultures?

4. Data Evaluation:

   • Present relevant data tables and graphs.

   • Identify trends, patterns, and relationships.

   • Include statistical analysis: standard deviation, p-values, correlation coefficients, and significance.

5. Study Design & Methodology: Participants, sample size, location, data collection methods, variables.

6. Analysis of Limitations: Confounding and extraneous variables, validity of sources, and ability to fully answer the research question.

7. Conclusion and Suggestions: Interpret findings, acknowledge limitations, and propose potential improvements or extensions.

Step-by-Step Assessment Approach by Academic Mentor

The Academic mentor guided the student systematically to ensure all components of the assessment were addressed:

1. Introduction & Rationale:

   • Explained the meaning of depression and oversleeping.

   • Encouraged referencing scholarly sources to highlight the relevance of the topic.

   • Guided the student to clearly frame the research question around Western adolescents.

2. Literature Review & Background Research:

   • Mentored the student to include studies linking oversleeping with hormone imbalances, serotonin reduction, and depressive symptoms.

   • Ensured citations from reputable sources such as Vic Health and the Sleep Health Foundation were included for credibility.

3. Data Collection & Presentation:

   • Assisted in creating data tables and graphs showing adolescent sleep patterns and associated depression trends.

   • Focused on selecting only relevant data to answer the research question.

4. Evaluation & Statistical Analysis:

   • Guided identification of trends, patterns, and relationships between oversleeping and depression.

   • Explained the use of statistical measures (correlation coefficient, p-values) to assess significance.

5. Study Design Analysis:

   • Helped describe participant demographics, sample size, location, and variables.

   • Highlighted potential confounding or extraneous variables affecting validity.

6. Limitations & Suggestions:

   • Encouraged critical analysis of the limitations, including insufficient research specific to Western adolescents.

   • Suggested possible study extensions or cross-sectional approaches to strengthen findings.

7. Conclusion & Reflection:

   • Synthesized findings to acknowledge that sleep disturbances generally affect depression rates.

   • Highlighted that while specific validity for Western cultures is limited, general trends are observable.

Outcome Achieved

• Comprehensive Assessment: All assessment requirements were addressed systematically.

• Learning Objectives Covered:

  • Understanding the interplay between oversleeping and depression in adolescents.

  • Critical evaluation of research evidence, statistical analysis, and identification of study limitations.

  • Development of research skills including data interpretation, trend analysis, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

• Student Competency Enhanced: Through mentor guidance, the student learned how to structure an academic investigation, analyze data critically, and produce a well-referenced, methodical assessment solution.

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