It’s putting children and teens at risk.
Recent research indicates that children and teenagers who consistently get insufficient sleep may be at a heightened risk of developing high blood pressure. A study published in Pediatrics examined data from over 500 young individuals diagnosed with hypertension and found a significant association between shorter-than-recommended sleep durations and elevated blood pressure levels. Despite a decline in overall hypertension rates among children, approximately 1 in 7 youths aged 12 to 19 are affected, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dr. Amy Kogon, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, emphasized that healthcare providers often overlook sleep when discussing hypertension with families, focusing more on diet and exercise. The study drew its data from patients seen at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where Dr. Kogon specializes in pediatric kidney care.
While factors like obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet are known risk factors for high blood pressure in young people, insufficient sleep appears to be a significant yet underappreciated contributor. The study underscores that a substantial majority of middle and high school students in the U.S. do not meet recommended sleep guidelines, with nearly 60% of middle schoolers and over 70% of high schoolers reported to be sleep-deprived by the CDC. Even up to a third of elementary school children do not get adequate sleep.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine provides sleep recommendations based on age: children under 6 should sleep 10 to 13 hours per night, ages 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours, ages 13 to 18 should aim for 8 to 10 hours, and ages 18 and older should get 7 to 9 hours. Dr. Barry Love from Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Heart Center highlighted the importance of addressing high blood pressure early in life to reduce the risk of future heart disease and other health complications associated with hypertension.
The study’s findings, based on the analysis of medical records from children with hypertension, indicated that both insufficient and excessive sleep durations were linked to higher blood pressure readings throughout the day. Factors contributing to poor sleep among children include anxiety, excessive screen time (particularly on stimulating apps), and the presence of electronic devices in bedrooms. Recommendations to improve sleep hygiene include maintaining consistent sleep schedules, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a conducive sleep environment by removing electronic devices from bedrooms.
Dr. Mariana Bedoya from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University suggested practical tips such as avoiding significant changes in sleep schedules over weekends and minimizing caffeine intake in the hours leading up to bedtime. These strategies aim to promote better sleep habits and overall health outcomes for children and adolescents facing challenges that disrupt adequate rest in today’s digital age.
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