Recent research indicates that U.S. teenagers are sleeping less than they have in decades, affecting their ability to cope with the challenges of adolescence. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan revealed that sleep levels among adolescents in grades eight, 10, and 12 have steadily declined from 1991 to 2023. By 2023, only 22.3% of older teenagers reported getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, the lowest level since the study began.
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The data comes from the Monitoring the Future survey, which collects responses from over 400,000 U.S. students. The findings show a decrease in both overall sleep duration and the perception of adequate rest as students age. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers aged 13 to 18 should strive for between eight and 10 hours of sleep each night.
Dr. Arezou Heshmati, a pediatric neurologist and sleep specialist, noted that even losing less than one hour of sleep per night can negatively affect a teen’s mood, physical health, and academic performance. The study highlights disparities in sleep patterns, revealing that Non-Hispanic Black teens, Hispanic/Latino teens, and those whose parents have less education tend to get even less sleep.
Lead author Rachel Widome emphasized the growing inequities in sleep among different racial and socioeconomic groups, stating that these differences can have long-lasting effects on health and opportunities in adulthood. Potential factors leading to reduced sleep include biological changes during puberty, early school start times, stress, and increased screen time.
Lack of sleep can lead to poorer academic performance, emotional difficulties, and higher rates of depression and obesity. The World Health Organization warns that unresolved mental health issues from adolescence can carry into adulthood, impacting quality of life.
Improving teenagers' sleep habits can be challenging, but Dr. Heshmati provides several strategies. Parents are encouraged to model good sleep behaviors and establish a household screen time cut-off 30 minutes before bed. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, providing an alarm clock instead of relying on phones, and creating a sleep-friendly environment can help. Heshmati suggests that teenagers may be more receptive to the importance of sleep if they explore its benefits through research and peer discussions, rather than being instructed by adults. Parents are advised to consult with healthcare providers before making changes that could affect their children's health.