Higher sleep-corrected social jetlag and evening chronotype are associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students
In a cross-sectional study of 734 university students, each 1-hour increase in sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc) was significantly associated with higher odds of depression (OR=1.527), anxiety (OR=1.324), and stress (OR=1.524). Evening chronotype was also linked to increased risks of depression (OR=1.856), anxiety (OR=1.598), and stress (OR=1.945) compared to non-evening types.
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Higher sleep-corrected social jetlag and evening chronotype are associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Higher sleep-corrected social jetlag and evening chronotype are associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students
This conclusion is most relevant to: University students (n=734) from a cross-sectional study.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸The Relationship Between Indicators of Behavior Rhythmicity With Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Youths. (Depression and anxiety, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Disrupted circadian rhythms due to social jetlag and evening chronotype
- ▸Misalignment between internal biological clock and external social schedules
- ▸Potential effects on mood regulation and stress response systems
- ▸Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸University students (n=734) from a cross-sectional study
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference
- ▸Self-reported measures may introduce recall bias
- ▸Sample limited to university students, limiting generalizability
- ▸Residual confounding from unmeasured variables possible
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc)?▼
SJLsc is the difference in sleep timing between workdays and free days, corrected for sleep debt, indicating circadian misalignment.
How does evening chronotype affect mental health?▼
Evening chronotype was associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, and stress, possibly due to misalignment with societal schedules.
Are the associations between social jetlag and mental health the same for males and females?▼
No, the study found sex-specific associations: SJLsc was associated with depression only in males, while evening chronotype was linked to depression and stress only in females.
What are the implications for university students?▼
Students with irregular sleep patterns or evening preference may be at higher risk for mental health issues, suggesting the need for interventions to align schedules with biological rhythms.
References
- 1.Xia S, Gong Y, Zhang M, Fan Z, Zhang J, Zhang J, Li S, Dong X, Liu LJ, Li Y, Hong XQ, Yang YD. “The Relationship Between Indicators of Behavior Rhythmicity With Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Youths..” Depression and anxiety, 2026. PMID: 42643655 DOI: 10.1155/da/5861864