Lack of Sleep for Adolescents

According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost three fourths of teens are not getting the recommended hours of sleep. This lack of sleep is associated with a variety of risky behaviors such as physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, fighting, and sexual promiscuity. High school students participating in this survey were asked how much sleep they got on an average school night. Those who responded getting less than eight hours were categorized as getting insufficient sleep. Those who got eight or more hours of sleep were categorized as getting sufficient sleep. Researchers also found that roughly two thirds of responders reported inefficient sleep on an average school night. Responders who reported insufficient sleep were also more likely to engage in risky behavior. Although the prevalence of many health-risk behaviors and health conditions related to obesity and asthma varies across Steps communities, a substantial proportion of high school students engage in behaviors that place them at risk for chronic disease.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2008). Youth risk behavior surveillance — selected steps communities, United States, 2007 and youth risk behavior surveillance — Pacific Island United States Territories, 2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 57(SS-12), 1-39. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5712.pdf