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Eveningness as a risk for behavioral problems in late adolescence.
Ilona Merikanto1,2, Anu-Katriina Pesonen1, Liisa Kuula1
1a Institute of Behavioural Sciences , University of Helsinki , Helsinki , Finland.
Chronobiology International
|January 6, 2017
Summary
Eveningness in late adolescence is linked to increased externalizing behaviors like conduct and attention problems, similar to younger ages. This finding highlights the importance of circadian rhythms for adolescent mental health.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent psychiatry
- Chronobiology
- Sleep science
Background:
- Eveningness preference is linked to mental health risks in early adolescence and adulthood.
- The impact of circadian rhythm shifts in late adolescence on mental health remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circadian rhythm (chronotype and sleep midpoint) and psychiatric problems in late adolescents.
- To determine if eveningness in late adolescence correlates with specific mental health issues.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a community cohort of 183 adolescents (age 17) in Finland.
- Assessed chronotype using the Horne-Östberg Questionnaire and circadian rhythm via actigraphy (4-17 days).
- Measured psychiatric problems using the Youth Self Report (YSR) and analyzed data adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Eveningness, whether by self-reported chronotype or actigraphy, correlated with higher conduct problems and rule-breaking behavior.
- Self-reported eveningness was also associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity and somatic complaints.
- Eveningness was linked to affective problems, regardless of measurement method.
Conclusions:
- The association between eveningness and externalizing behaviors persists into late adolescence.
- Circadian rhythm eveningness is a significant factor in adolescent mental health, even as rhythms naturally shift later.
- Findings suggest continued attention to circadian timing in adolescent mental health interventions.
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