Impact of Disrupted Daily Rhythms on Adolescent Brain Development

Recent research led by McGill University highlights the significant effects that irregular daily rhythms can have on the developing adolescent brain, especially when combined with prenatal risk factors. The study demonstrates that disturbances in the body's internal clock during adolescence may alter how the brain reacts to early-life exposures such as maternal infections, which are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Researchers exposed mice to prenatal infections, circadian disruption through constant light exposure during adolescence, both factors simultaneously, or neither. They observed that each factor independently caused changes in behavior and gene activity in brain regions associated with these disorders. Notably, the combination influenced memory, social behaviors, and anxiety levels, with some surprising interactions suggesting the effects are not merely additive.

The research emphasizes adolescence as a crucial period where the internal biological clock is particularly vulnerable. Factors such as late-night screen time and artificial light exposure can further delay biological rhythms, leading to what is called social jet lag, which has been linked to various health issues. The findings suggest that individuals exposed to multiple risk factors should be particularly mindful of maintaining regular daily routines.

The team is now exploring the genetic changes observed in mice to better understand the implications for human brain development. Though more research is needed, these insights underscore the importance of stabilizing daily rhythms to protect adolescent mental health and reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-disrupted-daily-rhythms-affect-adolescent.html