A recent study conducted by researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Shanghai has shown that teenagers who go to bed early and get sufficient sleep tend to have better cognitive and mental abilities compared to those who sleep late.
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The study, which is considered the largest of its kind on adolescent brain development, included over 3,000 participants aged 13 to 18. Their sleep patterns were monitored using specialized devices, and they underwent a series of cognitive tests and brain scans.
Results revealed that the group accustomed to sleeping early—about 37% of participants—demonstrated better academic and cognitive performance, particularly in reading, problem-solving, and memory tests. Brain scans also showed that this group had larger brain volumes and more efficient neural function.
On the other hand, the study pointed out that most teenagers are not getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep per day. Even the best-performing group averaged only about 7 hours and 25 minutes of sleep.
Professor Barbara Sahakian, one of the study’s contributors, explained that the brain performs complex processes during sleep, such as memory organization and skill reinforcement, which explains the strong connection between sleep quality and cognitive ability.
Researchers advised teens aiming to improve their mental performance to adopt habits like avoiding electronic devices before bed, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule—even on weekends.
This study adds further evidence to the importance of adequate sleep during adolescence, a critical period for brain development.
