The hidden influence of sleep on the brain

Scientists have proven: early sleep makes teenagers smarter

A new study conducted by scientists from Cambridge University and Fudan University in China has revealed a direct link between teenagers' sleep patterns and their intellectual abilities. Teenagers who go to bed early and sleep longer demonstrate significantly better results in cognitive tests.

The scientific work, published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports, became part of a large-scale project studying health and brain development in children and adolescents, reports TUT.AZ.

During the study, scientists analyzed data on the sleep patterns of more than 3,200 teenagers, collected using fitness trackers, as well as the results of MRI scans and cognitive tests. Based on the information obtained, researchers divided participants into three groups with different sleep habits. The best indicators were demonstrated by those teenagers who went to bed earlier, slept longer, and had the lowest heart rate during sleep. They outperformed their peers in tasks involving memory, thinking, vocabulary, and problem-solving, and also had larger brain volumes and improved functions in various brain regions.

Surprisingly, the difference in sleep time between groups was only 10-15 minutes. However, this seemingly insignificant factor had a substantial impact on the brain development of teenagers. The study authors emphasize that, although the educational achievements of participants did not differ significantly, regular and quality sleep plays an important role in improving brain functions, especially during the critically important period of adolescent development.

Scientists offer several tips for teenagers and their parents to optimize sleep patterns and enhance cognitive abilities:

1. Limit the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers in the evening, as the blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production and make falling asleep more difficult.

2. Increase physical activity during the day, which contributes to deeper and better quality sleep.

3. Maintain a stable sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at approximately the same time, even on weekends.