Early Adolescent Physical Activity, Sleep and Symptoms of Depression at 16 Years of Age.

Moderate to severe depression was present in 15.6% of the 467 16 year olds. Objectively measured physical activity and sleep at 11 years were not significantly associated with depressive symptoms at 16 years of age CONCLUSION: Prospectively collected objective measures of physical activity levels and sleep were not predictive of depressive symptoms later in adolescence in a healthy community cohort. While interventions to promote increased physical activity and sleep in adolescents who are depressed may be effective, physical activity and sleep in the general population of adolescents does not protect against future depression.