Moderate Weekend Sleep Linked to Reduced Anxiety in Teenagers

A recent study presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting in Seattle has revealed a significant correlation between moderate weekend catch-up sleep and lower anxiety levels among adolescents. The research, conducted by Sojeong Kim, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon, involved a sample of 1,877 teenagers with an average age of 13.5 years. The study aimed to explore the impact of sleep duration on mental health, particularly anxiety symptoms, in the teen population.

The findings indicated that teenagers who obtained up to two additional hours of sleep on weekends compared to weekdays exhibited fewer anxiety symptoms. Conversely, those who engaged in excessive catch-up sleep on weekends were found to have increased internalizing symptoms. "The results show that both sleeping less on weekends than weekdays and sleeping substantially more on weekends were associated with higher anxiety symptoms," stated Kim. This highlights the importance of identifying an optimal amount of recovery sleep, which appears to be less than two hours on weekends.

The research utilized Fitbit devices to estimate sleep duration, while internalizing symptoms were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist survey. The study's abstract was published in an online supplement of the journal Sleep and emphasizes the need for a balanced sleep schedule among adolescents. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13 to 18 should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to support their overall health and well-being.

Current data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that only 23% of high school students achieve sufficient sleep on an average school night, leading many to compensate by sleeping in on weekends. This compensatory behavior may be detrimental if not regulated, as noted by Kim: "Too little or too much sleep variability from weekday to weekend may contribute to symptoms such as physical or mental fatigue and feelings of anxiety."

In light of these findings, experts urge parents and guardians to encourage consistent sleep habits in teenagers, as irregular sleep patterns are linked to various health issues, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Consistent sleep is associated with improved attention, behavior, learning, emotional regulation, and overall mental and physical health.

As mental health concerns continue to rise among adolescents, this research sheds light on the crucial role of sleep in mitigating anxiety symptoms. Future studies may explore the long-term effects of sleep patterns on mental health, providing further insights into effective interventions for anxiety among teens. The implications of this research extend beyond the individual, calling for a broader societal recognition of the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits among young people. The study's findings will be presented on June 11, 2025, at the SLEEP 2025 conference, a collaborative event organized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.