Weekend Sleep Recovery Improves Teen Mental Health: New Study Insights

A recent study presented at the SLEEP 2025 conference in Seattle has unveiled significant insights into the effects of weekend sleep recovery on the mental health of adolescents. Conducted by Sojeong Kim, a researcher at the University of Oregon, along with collaborators from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development project, the study analyzed data from 1,877 middle school students, averaging 13.5 years of age. The findings suggest that while additional sleep on weekends can enhance mental well-being, excessive oversleeping may have detrimental effects.

**Background Context** Sleep deprivation is a pressing issue among U.S. teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 23% of high school students report getting at least eight hours of sleep on school nights (CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance, 2022). This lack of sleep correlates with diminished attention, impaired memory consolidation, and heightened emotional instability. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that adolescents aged 13 to 18 should obtain between eight to ten hours of sleep each night to support optimal growth and development (AASM, 2021).

**Significance of the Study** The study categorized participants into three groups based on their weekend sleep patterns: those who engaged in no catch-up sleep, those who added one to two hours, and those who overslept by more than two hours. Notably, the group that extended their sleep by one to two hours scored the lowest on internalizing symptoms, which encompass anxiety and low mood indicators. In contrast, those who overslept experienced increased anxiety levels.

Kim's research aligns with a South Korean study published in 2023 in the *Journal of Youth Studies*, which highlighted that adolescents who increased their weekend sleep by 60 to 119 minutes reported higher well-being compared to their counterparts who overslept (Lee et al., 2023).

**Mechanisms Behind Sleep Patterns** The biological underpinnings of adolescent sleep patterns can be traced to changes in melatonin production during puberty, which shift their circadian rhythm, naturally leading them to sleep and wake later than younger children and adults (Carskadon & Acebo, 2002). This phenomenon, often termed 'social jetlag,' creates a disconnect between natural sleep cycles and societal demands, resulting in adverse effects on mood and academic performance.

**Expert Opinions** Dr. Rebecca Robillard, a sleep researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, noted that the study underscores the importance of balancing sleep recovery with regular sleep schedules. “The findings suggest that while teens may benefit from a slight increase in weekend sleep, excessive oversleeping can disrupt their circadian rhythms, leading to increased anxiety,” she commented.

Dr. Alan K. Smiley, a pediatric psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the role of parental support in establishing healthy sleep routines. “Parents can help by encouraging teens to set consistent wake-up times even on weekends, promoting a healthier sleep pattern that enhances mood and cognitive function,” he stated.

**Implications for Future Research** The study raises important questions regarding the optimal amount of sleep recovery for adolescents. Kim's team plans to conduct longitudinal analyses to determine if moderate weekend sleep recovery can predict future mental health resilience. Wearable technology, such as Fitbits used in this study, provides a more accurate measurement of sleep patterns compared to self-reported data, which could inform future interventions.

**Conclusion** In conclusion, while the allure of sleeping in on weekends is tempting for many adolescents, the new research highlights the necessity of moderation. A balanced approach—allowing for one to two extra hours of sleep—can enhance mental well-being without the adverse effects associated with oversleeping. As educational institutions and parents work together to optimize school start times and encourage healthy sleep habits, the findings from Kim's study may serve as a valuable guideline for fostering better mental health outcomes among teenagers. The full study is published in the peer-reviewed journal *Sleep* (Kim et al., 2025).