Does Catching Up on Sleep Actually Work? Study Says Yes, but Only to a Certain Extent

KEY FINDINGS:

1. Moderate Catch-Up Sleep is Beneficial: The study examined 1,877 adolescents with an average age of 13.5 years, using Fitbit devices to monitor sleep duration. Results indicated that teens who obtained up to two additional hours of sleep at weekends compared to weekdays reported fewer anxiety symptoms. In contrast, excessive weekend sleep was associated with slightly increased internalising symptoms.
2. Balance is Key: Lead researcher Sojeong Kim noted that both insufficient sleep during the week and excessive sleep at weekends correlated with higher anxiety levels. “The results suggest that some weekend recovery sleep may be beneficial, but too little or too much variability from weekday to weekend sleep may contribute to anxiety symptoms,” Kim stated.
3. Current Sleep Trends Among Teens: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13 to 18 should get between 8 to 10 hours of sleep regularly. However, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that only 23% of high school students achieve adequate sleep on school nights.
4. Importance of Soft Skills: The study also emphasises the need for developing human soft skills, such as creativity and collaboration, which cannot be replaced by technology. These skills are crucial for maintaining mental health and navigating future job markets.
5. Future Implications: The findings advocate for a balanced approach to sleep, encouraging teens to prioritise moderate catch-up sleep at weekends to enhance their psychological wellbeing. The researchers suggest that understanding the right amount of recovery sleep can help teens combat physical and mental fatigue.