Study: Sleep May Matter More Than Physical Activity and Diet for Teenagers’ Academic Performance

Sleep plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the body. However, evidence shows that teenagers are not getting enough sleep, which can negatively affect their mental health and, consequently, their performance at school.

A new study found that sleep may play an even more important role in teenagers’ learning and daily lives than screen time, physical activity, or diet, particularly among those experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

“We expected sleep to be an important factor, but we did not think it would stand out so clearly compared with other aspects of lifestyle, especially screen time,” said lead author Jason Smockney of the University of California, Davis, in the United States.

Scientists examined how four lifestyle factors—sleep quality, screen time, physical activity, and diet—affect the relationship between mental health and academic and social skills in children aged 10 to 13, Euronews reports.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 6,000 participants on academic performance and more than 7,000 participants on social difficulties. They found that children and teenagers with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychotic experiences generally performed worse academically and experienced more difficulties in social interactions.

However, a significant part of this association was explained by lifestyle habits, with sleep quality playing the most important role.

“The findings point to sleep quality as an important factor through which early manifestations of mental health disorders may lead to poorer academic performance,” the authors wrote.

The researchers offered several possible explanations for why sleep appears to have such a strong influence.

According to the scientists, insufficient sleep is associated with daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and poorer executive functioning—all of which are critical for successful learning.

Sleep may also be an important factor in the social sphere. Sleep disturbances can increase the tendency toward social withdrawal and irritability, making it more difficult for teenagers to maintain healthy relationships.

“Parents, educators, and health care professionals understandably focus on symptoms such as anxiety and depression,” said study leader Tara Nindam.

“But for teenagers themselves and their families, what often matters most is how these symptoms affect everyday life—academic performance, interactions with friends, and the ability to cope with daily challenges. This study shows that sleep may be one of the pathways linking mental health with these real-world outcomes,” she added.

Nindam noted that sleep quality is an area where parents and families can make a difference.

“Although sleep alone will not solve all mental health problems, a healthy sleep routine is a practical tool for supporting a child’s emotional well-being and everyday functioning,” she said.

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