It’s quietly rewriting a teen’s brain.
A new study indicates that insufficient sleep in teenagers may lead to changes in brain function that increase the likelihood of impulsive and aggressive behavior.
Published June 13 in the journal Brain and Behavior, the research found that teens who sleep less show weaker connections between brain regions involved in decision-making, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. Disruptions in these areas have also been associated with mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, and schizophrenia.
“Sleep is essential for maintaining emotional balance and mental wellness in adolescents,” said Assaf Oshri, senior author of the study and director of the University of Georgia’s Center for Developmental Science.
The research analyzed data from over 2,800 children, who wore Fitbit wrist monitors to track their sleep over a period of about two weeks. Participants also underwent brain imaging and psychological assessments.
The findings revealed that inadequate sleep negatively affected the default mode network—a group of brain regions most active during restful introspection and mind-wandering. Teens who slept less showed reduced connectivity in this network, which is linked to behaviors such as aggression, inattention, and hyperactivity.
According to Oshri, the study demonstrates how both sleep duration and quality relate to specific patterns of brain connectivity that can forecast behavioral issues.
The researchers also observed that older teens, boys, and children from minority backgrounds were more likely to get less sleep and report behavioral challenges.
The default mode network, often associated with daydreaming and self-reflection, is thought to support creativity, empathy, and complex thinking. Harvard Medical School notes that this network plays a key role in helping people reflect on their inner thoughts and understand others.
“Adolescence is a vital time for brain development, and sleep is fundamental to that process,” explained Linhao Zhang, the study’s lead author and recent doctoral graduate from the University of Georgia. “Yet, many teenagers are missing out on the deep, restorative sleep their brains need.”
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