Medical News Today reports that parental support may help protect teens from the effects of disturbed sleep, which has been associated with depression and uncertainty.

Researchers from the University of Kentucky examined survey-based data from 6,092 adolescents between ages 15 and 19 and found that higher levels of perceived support from parents and even teachers resulted in fewer sleep disturbances, effectively lowering the risk of depression. However, the same effect could not be said about the support of their friends.

This is why letting your teens know that you've got their back is important. Remember, it’s one thing to care about your children and another to actually make them feel it.

(Screencap from The Carrie Diaries courtesy of The CW)