Preteen Anxiety Potentially Linked to Altered Brain Sleep Regulation

New research suggests that elevated anxiety levels in preteens might negatively affect sleep quality by modifying the brain's "sleep switch." A larger melatonin-producing pineal gland was associated with better sleep in low-anxiety preteens, but with longer sleep onset and less efficient sleep in highly anxious preteens. This highlights a potential mechanism linking anxiety and sleep disturbances in young individuals.