A growing body of evidence suggests a concerning trend among American teenagers: a significant decline in sleep duration. New research published March 2nd, 2026, in JAMA, led by researchers at the University of Connecticut, reveals that more than half of U.S. Teens are now consistently getting less than five hours of sleep per night—a record high. This rise in “very short sleep” isn’t simply a matter of teenagers staying up late; experts believe it reflects broader societal shifts impacting adolescent rest.
The concern over teenage sleep isn’t new. As far back as 1905, a study published in The Lancet noted that boys in British boarding schools weren’t getting enough sleep, attributing it to nighttime lighting. The study even questioned the wisdom of the adage “early to bed and early to rise.” Later, in the 1950s, public attention turned to the influence of emerging entertainment options like radio and television, which were seen as keeping teens awake later into the night. More recently, research has linked insufficient sleep to a range of negative outcomes, including mental health challenges, increased accident risk, and difficulties in academic performance.
However, the current situation appears to be markedly different. Analyzing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2007 to 2023, researchers found a consistent increase in sleep deprivation across all demographics. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey is a nationally representative dataset used to track risk behaviors in adolescents. The analysis, conducted by UConn School of Medicine psychiatric epidemiologist T. Greg Rhee and his team, shows that the proportion of teens reporting less than five hours of sleep nightly has steadily climbed, reaching a peak in the most recent survey. Simultaneously, the number of teens achieving the recommended eight or more hours of sleep has fallen from over 30% in 2007 to less than 25% in 2023.
The Consequences of Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Getting less than five hours of sleep is categorized as “very short sleep” and carries significant health risks. Experts say this level of sleep deprivation is associated with a range of issues, including difficulties with emotional regulation—manifesting as anxiety and depression—impaired academic performance, and increased risks for chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. The impact extends beyond individual health, potentially affecting public safety and overall societal well-being.
What’s particularly alarming is that the increase in insufficient sleep isn’t limited to teens with pre-existing risk factors. The UConn research found that sleep deprivation increased across all subgroups, regardless of whether teens reported depressive thoughts, substance use, or high levels of screen time. This suggests that the problem is pervasive and likely driven by factors affecting all adolescents.
Societal Factors and Potential Solutions
The researchers emphasize that this isn’t simply a matter of individual choices. The trend points to broader societal influences impacting teen sleep patterns. While the specific drivers are still being investigated, potential factors include increased academic pressures, demanding extracurricular schedules, and the ubiquitous presence of screens and social media. The constant connectivity offered by smartphones and other devices can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to overstimulation.
“These trends highlight the need for population-level interventions among teens,” Rhee and his colleagues stated in their research. They suggest that later school start times could be a crucial step, allowing adolescents to obtain more sleep and potentially improving both mental health and academic engagement. The American Academy of Pediatrics has long advocated for later school start times, citing the biological sleep patterns of adolescents, which naturally shift later during puberty.
Further Research and the Role of the UConn HOPES Group
While later school start times are a promising intervention, researchers acknowledge that more investigation is needed to identify effective strategies. Rhee suggests exploring whether reforming academic and extracurricular schedules to reduce evening demands could also improve sleep health among teens. Understanding the complex interplay between school schedules, social activities, and screen time is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
The UConn Health Outcomes, Policy, and Evidence Synthesis (HOPES) group, where Rhee is based, plays a key role in this type of research. HOPES provides evidence-based assessments to inform healthcare decisions and policy changes. The group’s multidisciplinary approach combines clinical expertise with strong methodological skills to analyze complex health issues and identify effective solutions. Learn more about the HOPES group’s operate at UConn Health.
Addressing the growing crisis of teen sleep deprivation requires a multifaceted approach involving schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Prioritizing adolescent sleep health is not just about improving academic performance or reducing mental health issues; it’s about investing in the well-being of the next generation.
Researchers will continue to analyze data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and other sources to better understand the factors driving this trend and to evaluate the effectiveness of potential interventions. The next report from the CDC on adolescent health behaviors is scheduled for release in early 2027, which will provide further insights into this critical issue.
What are your thoughts on this growing trend? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below.
