Rising Rates of Sleep Deprivation Among US Teens

A recent report from the University of Connecticut, published on March 2, 2026, in JAMA, reveals a concerning trend: American teenagers are consistently getting less sleep, and the problem appears to be rooted in societal factors. This isn’t a new concern; research dating back to the early 20th century has highlighted the importance of adequate sleep for adolescents.

A Historical Perspective on Teen Sleep

As early as 1905, a study in The Lancet noted that boys in British boarding schools weren’t getting enough sleep, attributing it to nighttime lighting. The study suggested that the adage “late to bed and early to rise is neither physiological nor wise” held merit. Later, in the 1950s, concerns shifted to evening entertainment – radio and television – as potential culprits keeping teens awake. Today, overstimulation and the pervasive employ of screens are increasingly recognized as contributing factors, alongside mental health challenges, accidents, and academic difficulties.

Recent Data Reveals a Growing Crisis

Analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted from 2007 to 2023, paints a stark picture. Researchers, led by T. Greg Rhee of the UConn School of Medicine, found that over 50% of teens now report getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night – the highest percentage ever recorded in the survey’s history. Mirage News, News Medical and EurekAlert! all reported on these findings.

Less than five hours of sleep is considered “very short sleep” and is linked to a range of negative outcomes, including emotional regulation issues like anxiety and depression, impaired academic performance, and increased risks for obesity, and diabetes. The increase in sleep deprivation has been observed across all demographic subgroups, regardless of pre-existing risk factors such as depressive thoughts, substance use, or excessive screen time.

The proportion of teens achieving sufficient sleep – defined as eight or more hours per night – has similarly declined, dropping from over 30% in 2007 to less than 25% in 2023.

Potential Solutions and Future Research

Rhee and his colleagues emphasize the need for population-level interventions. They suggest that later school start times could allow for longer sleep durations, potentially improving mental health and academic engagement. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions, including exploring adjustments to academic and extracurricular schedules to reduce evening demands.

Key Takeaways

• Teen sleep deprivation is a growing problem with roots in societal factors.
• More than 50% of teens report getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night.
• Insufficient sleep is linked to mental health issues, academic difficulties, and physical health risks.
• Interventions like later school start times may facilitate improve teen sleep.