One-Half Century of Adolescent Sleep: Mary Carskadon to Deliver Keynote Lecture at Sleep Europe 2026
Sleep Europe 2026 will welcome Dr. Mary Carskadon, who will deliver the keynote lecture “One-Half Century of Adolescent Sleep.”
Although observations of adolescent sleep patterns began more than a century ago, the research field entered a new era in the middle of the twentieth century and continues to the present. In her lecture, Dr. Carskadon will revisit this period of scientific development, drawing on work conducted at Stanford University and later at Brown University to illustrate how understanding of adolescent sleep has evolved.
Reflecting on the field’s progress, she highlights one discovery in particular:
“I think the most important and impactful insight that research has provided about adolescent sleep is that the circadian timing system appears to undergo a change that delays the timing of sleep behaviour. This finding has been corroborated through a number of approaches by a number of research teams, initially through questionnaires and subsequently with biomarkers. Circadian timing is not the only biomarker that is altered during adolescent development, but it was the earliest described and most often supported.”
Adolescents today navigate a complex sleep environment shaped by biological, social, and technological influences. While factors such as digital technology and school schedules often receive public attention, Dr. Carskadon emphasises that underlying biological processes remain central to understanding adolescent sleep patterns.
“Although we can point to the psychosocial and technological factors (among others) that affect adolescent sleep patterns, I place the biological factors as most important. In my thinking, changes in circadian timing and the sleep/wake homeostasis system provide “permission” if not pressure to allow the ‘”intrusive” evening pursuits/distractions. Evening activities are sometimes underrated challenges to sleep, particularly those activities sponsored by the education system. Of course, early morning school schedules comprise a major challenge. I don’t think that research has yet identified a singular causal factor.”
Looking back at decades of work in the field, Dr. Carskadon also hopes that her lecture will carry a message for the next generation of scientists. Beyond the scientific milestones, she emphasises the importance of perseverance and visibility in research careers, particularly for young researchers entering the field.
“I know I’ll be presenting findings from the last millennium that were sometimes challenged by the established wisdom, and I hope that my work can inspire our junior colleagues to pursue their research even if confronted by naysayers. I am hopeful that junior colleagues, especially women will see me and my work as encouragement to pursue their careers in science. Persistence, tenacity, and determination will be required.”
Dr. Mary Carskadon will deliver her keynote lecture, “One-Half Century of Adolescent Sleep,” on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, from 11:45 to 12:30, at Sleep Europe 2026 in Maastricht.
Registration for Sleep Europe 2026 is already open, and the preliminary scientific programme is now available. Follow ESRS on social media and subscribe to the newsletter available through the Scientific Programme page to receive first-hand further updates and highlights from the Congress.
