Teenagers’ brains are undergoing rapid development, and sleep plays a crucial role in this process.
A new study sheds light on just how sensitive the adolescent brain is to even minor shifts in sleep routines.
Early bedtimes boost brainpower
Teens who went to bed earlier and slept longer performed significantly better on cognitive tests involving reading, vocabulary, and problem-solving.
These results suggest that consistent, longer sleep is tied to sharper mental function.
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Social jetlag harms teen brains
A phenomenon known as “social jetlag” — when teens sleep differently on weekends compared to weekdays — can disturb overall sleep quality.
This disruption is linked to poorer brain performance.
Sleep-deprived teens are the norm
None of the sleep groups in the study reached the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night for adolescents.
This underscores how common sleep deprivation is among youth today.
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Minor sleep increases yield major benefits
The study found that even small sleep extensions — as little as 10 to 15 minutes — led to noticeable improvements in cognitive function.
Restful sleep trumps quantity alone
Teens with the lowest sleeping heart rates, a marker of deeper, more restorative sleep, outperformed others.
This finding highlights the importance of sleep quality, not just how long you sleep.
Brain function doesn’t always match grades
While sleep clearly impacted cognitive test scores, it didn’t significantly affect school grades.
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This suggests academic performance might not fully reflect the state of a teen’s brain health.
Memory gets a boost during sleep
During sleep, the brain consolidates memory — a process that helps embed learning from the day.
This biological function is crucial for academic success and personal growth.
Screens sabotage sleep cycles
Researchers advise against screen use before bed. The blue light emitted by devices interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep and maintain healthy sleep rhythms.
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Society should teach sleep habits
Experts advocate for sleep education in schools to raise awareness of its importance. Teaching teens the value of rest could lead to healthier habits and better well-being.
Teens need support to sleep better
It’s not just about telling teens to sleep more — families, schools, and policy makers must create environments where healthy sleep is possible, from later school start times to public awareness.
This article is based on information from The Guardian.
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