Study Reveals Optimal Weekend Sleep to Alleviate Teen Anxiety

A recent study presented at the SLEEP 2025 annual meeting has provided new insights into the relationship between weekend sleep and anxiety levels among teenagers. Conducted by Sojeong Kim, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon, the research suggests that adolescents who indulge in up to two extra hours of sleep on weekends exhibit fewer symptoms of anxiety compared to their peers who do not extend their sleep duration. However, the findings also indicate that exceeding this two-hour limit may inversely affect anxiety levels, suggesting a precarious balance in sleep recovery for this age group.

The study involved a sample of 1,877 adolescents with a mean age of 13.5 years. Utilizing Fitbit devices to estimate sleep duration, researchers calculated weekend catch-up sleep as the difference between weekend and weekday sleep durations. Internalizing symptoms were evaluated through the Child Behavior Checklist survey. The data corroborated the hypothesis that moderate catch-up sleep, defined as less than two hours extra, could serve as a protective factor against anxiety symptoms.

According to Kim, “The results show that both sleeping less on weekends than on weekdays and sleeping substantially more on weekends were associated with higher anxiety symptoms.” This nuanced understanding is crucial, given that the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13 to 18 should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Yet, a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that only 23% of high school students achieve adequate sleep on an average school night.

Kim's research aligns with previous studies that emphasize the importance of sufficient sleep for better health outcomes, including improved attention, behavior, and emotional regulation. In contrast, insufficient sleep has been linked to increased risks of depression and suicidal ideation among teenagers.

In light of these findings, it is essential for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to recognize the significance of sleep hygiene and its impact on adolescent mental health. Acknowledging the challenges that teenagers face in balancing academic responsibilities and social lives, Kim advocates for a structured approach to sleep that allows for necessary recovery without tipping into excess.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual well-being; they highlight a growing need for educational institutions to foster environments that prioritize healthy sleep habits. Adjusting school start times or promoting sleep awareness can be potential measures to mitigate the adverse effects of sleep deprivation in this demographic.

As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, this study underscores the critical role that sleep plays in the overall health of adolescents. Future research may further explore the long-term effects of sleep variability on anxiety and other mental health issues, providing a clearer understanding of how best to support the mental well-being of young individuals today. The complete findings of this study have been published in the online supplement of the journal Sleep, and will be presented during the SLEEP 2025 conference in Seattle, which is organized by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, a collaboration between the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society.