A new study has found about half of 16 and 17 year olds – aren’t getting enough sleep.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies also found a quarter of those aged 12 to 15 are missing out on vital shut eye.

Institute research fellow Dr Tracy Evans-Whipp says the study also looked at the mental health of teenagers.

“We looked at symptoms of anxiety and depression and found yes, kids that aren’t getting enough sleep were certainly more likely to show poor mental health in that sense,” she told Gareth Parker on the Morning program on 6PR.

“When we asked simply, how happy they’re feeling kids that weren’t getting enough sleep were much more likely to report being unhappy.”

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