The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance and Mental Health in Adolescents

Sleep deprivation has become a growing public health concern among adolescents due to academic pressure, lifestyle changes, and increased use of digital media. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall mental well-being during adolescence. This article reviews the impact of sleep deprivation on academic performance and mental health in adolescents, with particular attention to the role of smartphone use and digital media exposure. Medical evidence indicates that insufficient sleep negatively affects attention, memory consolidation, learning capacity, and executive functioning, leading to reduced academic performance. In addition, sleep deprivation is strongly associated with mental health issues such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, emotional instability, and increased stress. Preventive strategies, including sleep hygiene education, reduced nighttime screen exposure, and early behavioral interventions, are essential for minimizing these risks. This review highlights the importance of addressing sleep deprivation as a modifiable factor to improve both educational outcomes and psychological health in adolescents.