The effect of chronic sleep deprivation on subclinical neurological function in teenagers: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate chronic sleep deprivation (SD) among adolescents in Makkah city and its impact on subclinical neurological, cognitive, and emotional functions. Methods: This study examined how chronic SD affects subclinical neurological functioning among teenagers aged 13 to 19 years living in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in 2025, using a cross-sectional, web-based descriptive design. A convenience sample was drawn from male and female teenage residents of Makkah from February to November 2025. Results: Of the participants, only 12.1% reported sleeping more than 8 hours on school nights, and 45.9% reported sleeping less than 6 hours. SD was significantly associated with mood swings, irritability, forgetfulness, poor concentration, poor decision-making, balance deficits, delayed reaction time, experiencing a micro sleep, and tremors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Chronic SD was widespread among adolescents in Makkah and was significantly associated with neurological, cognitive, and emotional dysfunction. The effects of SD warrant screening and interventions to prevent long-term effects