CDC: Most US teens fail to get recommended 8 hours of sleep, report finds

CDC: Most US teens fail to get recommended 8 hours of sleep, report finds | mage Credit: © stokkete - © stokkete - stock.adobe.com.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Data Summary & Trends Report for Dietary, Physical Activity, and Sleep Behaviors: 2013–2023, developed by the CDC, provides a comprehensive overview of sleep behaviors among US high school students. The report is part of a broader examination of adolescent health, which also includes dietary and physical activity behaviors previously covered by Contemporary Pediatrics.

The findings regarding sleep behaviors highlight a trend of inadequate sleep among adolescents, which can have significant implications for their overall health and academic performance.

The report revealed that a substantial percentage of high school students are not getting the recommended amount of sleep. Specifically, the CDC recommended that adolescents aim for at least 8 hours of sleep on an average school night.

However, data from the YRBS indicated that only 23% of students reported achieving this guideline in 2023. That figure reflects a stagnation in sleep duration, as it has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade, with only slight fluctuations observed in the two-year comparisons.

Disparities in sleep behaviors are also evident in the data. In 2013, 35% of males got at least 8 hours of sleep on an average school night compared to 25% in 2023. The trend also decreased across the decade for females, as 29% reported 8 hours of sleep in 2013 compared to 22% in 2023.

The lack of sufficient sleep among adolescents is a growing concern, as it is linked to various negative health outcomes, including increased risk of obesity, mental health issues, and impaired cognitive function. The report emphasizes that inadequate sleep can hinder students' ability to concentrate, perform academically, and engage in physical activities, further compounding the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Racial and ethnic disparities are also present in sleep behaviors. The report showed that students from various racial and ethnic backgrounds experience different levels of sleep adequacy. For instance, Black (19%) and Hispanic (24%) students reported lower percentages of achieving the recommended sleep duration compared to their White peers (25%) in 2023.

The report also examined the impact of external factors on sleep behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered students' daily routines, including sleep patterns. Many students experienced disruptions in their sleep schedules because of remote learning, increased screen time, and changes in social interactions. As schools returned to in-person learning, some students may have found it challenging to readjust their sleep habits, which contributed to ongoing issues with sleep adequacy.

Despite the concerning trends in sleep behaviors, the report underscores the importance of promoting healthy sleep habits among adolescents. Schools and communities can play a vital role in fostering environments that prioritize sleep health. Initiatives such as education on the importance of sleep, encouraging consistent sleep schedules, and reducing the stigma around mental health can help students recognize the value of adequate sleep.

In conclusion, the YRBS Data Summary & Trends Report reveals a troubling picture of sleep behaviors among US high school students, with a significant portion of adolescents failing to meet the recommended sleep guidelines.

Click here to view highlights from the CDC's youth risk report of dietary behavior from 2013-2023.

Click here to view highlights from the CDC's youth risk report for physical activity behavior.

Reference:

Youth risk behavior survey data summary & trends report for dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors: 2013-2023. CDC. January 14, 2025. Accessed January 16, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/pdf/DSTR-Dietary-PhysicalActivity-SleepBehavior2013-2023-508.pdf?ACSTrackingID=DM143930&ACSTrackingLabel=New%20CDC%20Report%20on%20Student%20Dietary%2C%20Physical%20Activity%2C%20and%20Sleep%20Behaviors%20Released!%20-%20Healthy%20Schools&deliveryName=DM143930