A multinational study from the United States and China shows that the start or end of a romantic relationship can disrupt sleep for adolescents, with the strongest effects seen in younger girls. The findings were published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
The research team, led by Xiancheng Liu of the University of Pennsylvania, tracked 7,072 middle and high school students over the course of a year. Participants answered baseline surveys about their romantic experiences, insomnia symptoms, and typical nightly sleep duration. The study also gathered data on gender, age, unhealthy habits, family socioeconomic status, and additional relevant factors to ensure a comprehensive view of the contributors to sleep health.
After controlling for a range of variables that could influence both romantic involvement and sleep, the analysis showed that entering a first romantic relationship raised the odds of insomnia by 41 percent. Experiencing a breakup increased insomnia risk by 35 percent, and experiencing both events around the same time pushed the combined risk to 45 percent.
These results suggest that romantic relationships can affect sleep quality and duration in the short term and may act as meaningful determinants of insomnia symptoms over time. The researchers note that multiple interrelated factors—life stress, hormonal fluctuations, and psychosocial development—likely contribute to this association, making sleep problems a potential marker of broader adolescent adjustment challenges.
The study also found age-related differences: the link between romantic involvement and sleep difficulties was more pronounced in younger adolescents (under 15) compared with older teens (15 and over). Within this younger group, the impact was particularly evident among girls, underscoring potential gender-specific pathways in how relationship experiences shape sleep patterns.
Experts emphasize that during adolescence, rapid changes in social context, emotions, and routines can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep regulation. Sleep health, in turn, influences daytime functioning, mood, and academic performance. By highlighting the sleep costs associated with romantic transitions, the study adds to a growing body of evidence that supports proactive approaches to supporting teen sleep and emotional well-being during sensitive developmental stages.
These findings align with broader observations about adolescent sleep, stress, and social life. Clinicians and educators are encouraged to consider relationship dynamics when addressing sleep problems in teens, and to provide resources that help young people navigate early romantic experiences in healthier ways. For families, conversations about sleep routines, stress management, and healthy coping strategies can buffer the sleep disturbances that may accompany dating and social pressures during adolescence. [Attribution: Behavioral Sleep Medicine, study results summarized by the authors.]