Association of Social Jetlag to Suicidal Ideation in Adolescent Girls

Objective Suicidal ideation (SI) is increasing disproportionately among adolescent girls compared to boys, yet sex-specific pathways to suicide risk remain poorly understood. While sleep duration has been linked to SI, the role of sleep timing, particularly social jetlag (SJL)—the discrepancy in sleep timing between weekends and weekdays—has been understudied. Given its association with pubertal hormone levels, SJL may contribute to sex differences in SI. This study examines whether (1) SJL is associated with concurrent SI and (2) this association differs by sex. Method We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 7,490 adolescents (3,420 girls, mean age=12.00 years, range 10.58-14.00) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. SI with intent, method, or plan was assessed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (n=141 met SI criteria). SJL was measured using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire for Children. Generalized linear models examined associations between SJL and SI, adjusting for psychiatric severity (Child Behavior Checklist scores). Results More severe SJL was associated with higher odds of SI in girls but not boys, despite comparable SI and SJL rates across the sample. This association remained significant after controlling for overall psychiatric severity. Conclusion SJL may be a sex-specific risk factor for SI in adolescent girls, highlighting sleep timing as a potential intervention target. Measures of sleep timing were more strongly associated with SI than were measures of sleep duration. Longitudinal studies are needed to examine whether these sex differences persist across pubertal development and predict onset of SI or transition to suicide attempt. Diversity & Inclusion Statement We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list.