A recent study from the University of Cambridge reveals that adolescents who sleep longer and maintain earlier bedtimes perform better on cognitive tasks.
Conducted in collaboration with researchers from Fudan University in Shanghai, the findings highlight the critical role of sleep in adolescent brain function and cognitive development.
Key Findings from the Study:
- Sleep Duration and Cognitive Performance: The study analysed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which involved over 3,200 adolescents aged 11-12. Researchers found that adolescents grouped by sleep duration showed significant differences in cognitive test performance. The group that slept the most, averaging 7 hours and 25 minutes, outperformed the group that slept the least, averaging 7 hours and 10 minutes, in tests assessing vocabulary, reading, problem-solving, and focus.
- Brain Structure Correlation: The group that slept the most also exhibited the largest brain volume and the best brain function, while those who slept the least had the smallest brain volume and poorer cognitive function. Although the differences in sleep duration were relatively minor—just over a 15-minute difference between the best and worst sleepers—these variations were associated with noticeable differences in cognitive performance and brain structure.
- Impact of Sleep Patterns: The study found that adolescents’ sleep patterns often shift during this developmental stage, leading to later bedtimes and less sleep overall. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adolescents should aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night to support optimal cognitive function and health.
- Heart Rate Analysis: Researchers also measured participants’ heart rates during sleep, finding that those who slept longer had lower heart rates, which are generally indicative of better sleep quality and overall health.
- Future Research Directions: The study’s authors emphasise the need to explore the reasons behind poor sleep habits in some adolescents, such as the potential impact of video games or smartphones on sleep schedules. Understanding these factors could help develop strategies to improve sleep hygiene among teens.
Professor Barbara Sahakian, one of the study’s authors, remarked on the importance of sleep for cognitive and mental health during adolescence: “Regularly getting a good night’s sleep is crucial in helping us function properly… this is a crucial time in our development.”
The research underscores the importance of prioritising sleep in adolescents to enhance cognitive performance and overall well-being. For more detailed insights, you can read the full article here: Adolescents who sleep longer perform better at cognitive tasks.
Health and Wellness products and services that may be of interest:
Get a special discount by quoting code AISLMALL during CHECKOUT.
iBakery & Catering Social Enterprise
iBakery, a social enterprise under the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, trains and hires people with disabilities while offering a healthy, delicious menu. With a bakery, cookie shops, restaurant, and kiosks, iBakery promotes inclusion and positive societal change, creating “little bites of happiness” for all to share.
Plant-based Whole Food Snacks
Cocoparadise is a company devoted to making natural, clean, superfood snacks that are good for you and the planet. Missions creates coconut-based, healthy treats in Hong Kong, promoting gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free living. Founded by Val, who transformed her health by switching to unprocessed foods, the brand aims to make healthy living fun, easy, and enjoyable for better well-being and happiness.
Potential City - Astronaut Foods
Potential City is a wholesaler and retailer of international brand toys. It is the exclusive agent of 4D Master, Amazing Toys and Astronaut Foods in Hong Kong and Macau. Astronaut foods, created in 1975 with the National Air and Space Museum, offer unique, affordable gift items that provide insight into what astronauts eat. Certified with space technology, they are popular in museum shops, educational settings, and the gift market, suitable for both kids and adults.
