Researchers from the University of Helsinki have identified a link between a range of circadian rhythm indicators and mental health disorders in teenagers. The findings were published in The Journal of Psychiatric Research and reflect a broader effort to understand how the body’s internal clock relates to adolescent well being.
Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that form part of the body’s internal timing system. They influence many physiological processes, including hormone release and the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Understanding these rhythms helps explain why sleep patterns shift so dramatically during adolescence and how these changes might interact with mental health.
The team examined data from participants in the SleepHelsinki study, all born in 1999 or 2000. The measurements were gathered in 2017 and 2018, when the participants were around 18 years old. A total of 262 individuals took part, completing a psychiatric symptom questionnaire and wearing a sleep tracker for one week to capture objective sleep patterns alongside subjective reports.
Analyses revealed clear gender differences. Mental health issues were more common among female participants, with higher rates of severe depression, social anxiety, and the occurrence of multiple coexisting disorders. In addition, women tended to sleep longer, averaging about 22 minutes more per night than their male peers. Men, on the other hand, reported later bedtimes and later wake times compared with women, reflecting distinct circadian patterns across genders.
The study also found associations between sleep disruptions and suicidal ideation. Irregular sleep schedules and delays in the onset of sleep stages were linked to higher reports of suicidal thoughts. Among those with more severe depressive symptoms, the circadian period appeared to be extended, and adopting an evening-oriented lifestyle correlated with higher levels of general anxiety, panic symptoms, and a range of related challenges.
These findings underscore the reality that adolescence is a critical window for the appearance of psychiatric disorders. It is also a period when circadian rhythms undergo substantial transformation. As researchers emphasize, monitoring sleep and circadian constellations during this stage can provide valuable signals about mental health trajectories and potential risk factors for later problems.
Ultimately, the work supports the idea that sleep health and circadian timing are not just about feeling rested; they are connected to broader emotional well-being and resilience in teenagers. Ongoing studies aim to refine how circadian markers relate to specific disorders and to explore whether adjustments to sleep timing might offer practical avenues for prevention and early intervention in adolescent mental health.