Teenage lie-ins could be fuelling anxiety, according to new research.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have found differences between school-day and weekend sleep schedules, a pattern known as "social jet lag," are linked to higher anxiety levels in young people.
The study, published in Sleep Medicine Reviews, highlights the importance of consistent bedtimes throughout the week, including weekends.
Dr Sarah Chellappa, of the University of Southampton, said: "During puberty, the body’s internal clock usually shifts back by a few hours, meaning teenagers naturally don’t start feeling sleepy until later and would ideally wake up later too.
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"But teenagers also face demands on their time, from early school starts to socialising online, which can rob them of sleep, especially during the week.
"Many teenagers 'lie in' on the weekends to catch up on missed sleep, but this mismatch between weekday and weekend sleep schedules can worsen social jet lag."
The research team analysed 12 studies involving more than 235,000 people, along with an additional six studies included in a narrative review.
They found a small link between higher levels of social jet lag and increased anxiety.
Dr Hannah Ravenhall, lead author of the paper who undertook the research as part of her doctorate at the University of Southampton, said: "The findings highlight the importance of maintaining regular bedtimes and wake times throughout the week, even at weekends.
"It’s important to look beyond what individuals can do alone and recognise how broader societal systems can influence sleep.
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"This starts with acknowledging the biological sleep changes that occur in adolescence, advocating for their sleep needs, and reconsidering secondary school start times to support young people’s wellbeing."
Anxiety was identified as the leading cause for mental health referrals in a recent report by Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza.
Published in June, the report revealed that more than one million children in England have been referred to, or are awaiting treatment from, mental health services. This equates to one in 10 children.
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