Teenagers, sleeping little compromises brain development

Sleeping little and going to bed late compromises brain development in teenagers. This is revealed by a study ofUniversity of Cambridge and Fudan University of Shanghaiwhich monitored over 3,200 boys aged 9 to 14 with wearable fitness devices (clocks for fitness, ed.) The data show that chi sleeps less has weaker brain connections, reduced brain volumes – especially in the hippocampus – e worst cognitive performance. Effect which, according to the researchers, they are not temporary but they can condition cognitive trajectories for years. The study was discussed at joint conference aex (Italian Society of Neuropsychopharmacology) – Sinpia (Italian society of neuropsychiatry of childhood and adolescence)scheduled in Cagliari, dedicated to « clinical psychopharmacology in the transition age ».

Under accusation the social networks

At the origin of the problem, almost always, there is a bad « sleep hygiene » often characterized by a real reversal of the sleep-wake rhythm, which can be linked tohyperconnection: many boys spend time on social media in bed, influencing the duration and quality of rest. And not only: According to the American Study Center PEW Research Center, 1 in 2 teenager is well aware that social media damage the mental health of their peers.

The results

«The study has shown that teenagers who go to bed before and sleep longer are those who get better cognitive performance – he explains Sara Carucci, Associated Professor of Child Neuropsychiatry at the University of Cagliari, director of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic of the childhood and adolescence of the ASL of Cagliari –. In addition, brain scans showed that teenagers who remained awake late and that therefore slept less had weaker connections among the key brain areas. They also had smaller brain volumes, especially in important areas for memory, such as the hippocampus. All elements that can explain a low score in cognitive tests ».

The researchers followed guys From 9-10 years up to 14 years of age, also discovering that the brain and cognitive differences between teenagers with different sleep models remain constant over time. «This suggests that GThe effects of sleep models on brain development are not temporary, but they can shape cognitive trajectories during adolescence – adds prof. Carucci -. For this reason, adopting healthy sleep habits from an early age can favor a healthier brain development and improve cognitive performance during adolescence. Adolescence is a period of extreme wealth and potential: it is important to put young people in the condition to fully express their potential».

The rules for tablets and smartphones

An important option would be to avoid using the smartphone and tablet in the evening, especially when the goal is to connect on social media. «In addition to disturbing sleep, the hyperconnection linked to the use of social media has a negative impact on mental health – he underlines Giovanni Migliase, psychiatrist Director SC Mental Health Lomellina Asst di Pavia -. And this knows the same young people very well, so much so that Recent American research that involved boys aged 13 to 17 found that 48% believe that social networks have a negative effect on peers. One in 5 teenager, however, admits that they also adversely affect them. So there would be no advice in « disconnecting » from social networks, especially in the evening. Let’s not forget – specifies prof. Carucci – that poor sleep hygiene and hyperconnection often associate with other negative lifestyles such as insufficient physical activity, incorrect diet and use of substances, which further impact on cerebral neurobiological development and create the foundations for a greater predisposition to develop anxiety, depression and risk of suicide. More negative lifestyles are associated, worse are the consequences of late adolescent and adult age ».