Teenagers experiencing what researchers call 'social jet lag'—a disruption caused by early school days and later weekend sleep—may be at a higher risk of increased anxiety, according to a study published in the journal Sleep Medicine Reviews. The research suggests that this shift in sleep schedules, influenced by school, work, or leisure activities, creates an effect similar to jet lag and could contribute to poorer mental health outcomes in adolescents aged 12 to 18.
The study analyzed 12 previous studies encompassing over 235,000 young people, alongside a further six studies in a narrative review. The findings revealed a consistent, though small, correlation between higher levels of social jet lag and elevated anxiety in teenagers. Researchers emphasized that this effect, while appearing minor, is unlikely to be coincidental and has been observed across multiple studies.
During puberty, biological changes typically shift teenagers' internal clocks, leading to later natural sleep onset and wake times. However, the demands of early school starts and social activities, particularly online, often lead to sleep deprivation during the week. The tendency for many teenagers to sleep longer on weekends to compensate for this deficit can exacerbate the mismatch in their sleep schedules and worsen social jet lag.
A separate report released in June by Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza highlighted that over a million children in England were referred to or awaiting mental health services, with anxiety being the primary reason for these referrals. This figure represents approximately one in ten children.
Researchers involved in the social jet lag study stressed the importance of maintaining consistent bedtimes and wake times throughout the week, including weekends, to support adolescent well-being. They also suggested that secondary schools might consider adjusting their start times to better align with the natural sleep patterns of teenagers.