What are some harmful effects of insufficient sleep during adolescence?

Insufficient sleep during adolescence can have significant negative impacts on various aspects of health and cognition, making the third choice the correct answer. During this developmental stage, adequate sleep is crucial for physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. When sleep is lacking, adolescents may experience difficulties such as impaired memory and learning capabilities, as well as increased risks of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of physical health problems, including obesity, weakened immunity, and cardiovascular issues. Furthermore, cognitive functions like attention, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities are compromised, contributing to poor academic performance and risky behaviors. Therefore, recognizing these harmful effects emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep during this critical period of development.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes—such as increased memory capacity, heightened alertness, and improved emotional stability—which do not align with the realities of sleep deprivation. Instead, these outcomes typically arise from adequate rest and are severely diminished when sleep is lacking.