Irregular teen sleep schedules linked to higher anxiety, study finds

A new University of Southampton review of 12 studies involving over 230,000 participants found that teenagers with inconsistent sleep schedules between weekdays and weekends, known as 'social jet lag', are more likely to report higher levels of anxiety. The study highlights a vicious cycle where higher anxiety also predicts greater 'social jet lag', though the authors note this is an association, not a proven cause-and-effect relationship. They emphasize that behavioral strategies targeting healthy, regular sleep could improve adolescent mental health. Anxiety is already the most common mental health problem among teens, with the WHO estimating 4.4% of 10–14-year-olds and 5.5% of 15–19-year-olds affected. Researchers suggest schools reconsider start times and parents rethink evening screen rules, as broader societal systems influence sleep.