Daijiworld Media Network - California

California, Aug 7: A new study has found that sleep quality plays a more significant role in teenagers' academic performance and social well-being than diet, exercise or screen time, particularly among adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis analysed data from more than 6,000 participants aged between 10 and 13 to examine how sleep, physical activity, diet and screen time influenced the relationship between mental health and daily functioning.

The study found that children and adolescents with symptoms of anxiety, depression or psychotic-like experiences generally performed worse in school and faced greater social difficulties. However, researchers observed that much of this association could be explained by lifestyle habits, with sleep quality emerging as the strongest factor.

Lead author Jason Smucny said the findings highlighted the importance of sleep, noting that it had a greater influence than expected, even compared with screen time.

Researchers said poor sleep contributes to daytime fatigue, reduced concentration and weaker executive functioning, all of which can negatively affect learning and academic achievement. They also noted that inadequate sleep may increase irritability and social withdrawal, making it more difficult for young people to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Senior author Tara Niendam said while parents, teachers and healthcare professionals often focus on mental health symptoms, the impact on a child's daily life, including school performance and friendships, is equally important.

She added that maintaining healthy sleep habits is a practical step families can take to support adolescents' emotional well-being and improve their day-to-day functioning, although it may not address every mental health challenge.