Long-lasting effects of disrupting sleep or body clock in adolescence

Circadian disruptions during adolescence may have long-term effects that persist into adulthood.

• Circadian rhythms regulate biological and behavioral processes across a near 24-hour cycle.
• Chronotype, or circadian phase preference, shifts throughout the lifespan, with adolescents preferring later sleep-wake times.
• Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant neuroanatomical changes that enhance decision-making.
• Disruptions in circadian rhythms during adolescence could lead to adverse consequences that last into adulthood.
• Current research on long-term impacts of circadian disruptions in adolescence is limited compared to studies in adults.
• Misalignment between school start times and adolescents' natural rhythms highlights the importance of understanding these disruptions.

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