"Social jet lag": misaligned sleep schedules increase anxiety in adolescentsPhoto by Andrey Matveev on Pexels
Science

"Social jet lag": misaligned sleep schedules increase anxiety in adolescents

Euronews Portugal3 September 2026 at 06:16

A new study suggests that adolescents who maintain irregular sleep schedules between the week and the weekend may face an increased risk of developing anxiety. This phenomenon, known as "social jet lag", occurs when there is a large difference between sleep schedules during weekdays and days off.

Researchers associate this sleep disruption with negative consequences for young people's mental health. The difference in sleep patterns between the week and weekend can create a conflict in adolescents' biological clock, affecting their emotional well-being.

The study highlights that adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these effects, as this developmental phase is marked by significant changes in circadian rhythms. Chronic sleep deprivation and irregular sleep schedules may contribute to increased anxiety levels in this age group.

The results of this research underscore the importance of establishing more consistent sleep routines among young people, suggesting that small changes in sleep habits could potentially reduce anxiety levels among adolescents.

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