Teens’ Weekend Sleep Extension Lowers Anxiety: The Science Behind the Sweet Spot
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"Teens who sleep 1–2 extra hours on weekends have lower anxiety, but too much backfires. New research reveals the sweet spot for catch-up sleep and why consistency matters for mental health."
Key Findings from the Study
✔ Optimal Sleep Window: Teens who slept 1–2 extra hours on weekends showed lower anxiety compared to those who slept less or more.
✔ Too Much or Too Little Backfires: Sleeping more than 2 extra hours or not catching up at all was linked to higher anxiety levels.
✔ Biological & Social Factors: Teens naturally have delayed circadian rhythms, making early school start times a major contributor to sleep deprivation.
Why Does This Happen?
Moderate catch-up sleep helps restore mental fatigue from weekday sleep deficits.
Oversleeping disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to social jetlag and worsened mood.
Sleep consistency is key—irregular sleep patterns increase stress hormones like cortisol.
Practical Tips for Parents & Teens
✅ Limit weekend sleep-ins to 1–2 extra hours (e.g., if weekday wake-up is 6:30 AM, aim for 8:30 AM max).
✅ Encourage earlier weekend bedtimes rather than late wake-ups to avoid sleep cycle disruption.
✅ Reduce screen time before bed—blue light suppresses melatonin, delaying sleep onset.
The Bigger Picture
With only 23% of teens getting the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep on school nights, this research underscores the need for later school start times and better sleep hygiene education.
This study, led by Sojeong Kim (University of Oregon), provides actionable insights for parents and educators to support teen mental health through smarter sleep habits
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