Teen Sleep Deprivation Linked to High Blood Pressure Risk

Adolescents who experience insomnia and obtain less than 7.7 hours of sleep are five times more likely to develop stage 2 hypertension compared to well-rested peers, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions.

The study, conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University, examined sleep patterns and blood pressure measurements among 421 teenagers. Participants underwent a comprehensive nine-hour overnight sleep study and blood pressure assessments, revealing significant correlations between sleep duration and cardiovascular health risks.

Key findings demonstrate that teenagers sleeping less than 7.7 hours nightly were nearly three times more likely to have elevated blood pressure. Notably, the research suggests that the combination of insomnia and insufficient sleep contributes more substantially to cardiovascular risks than lack of sleep alone.

The study's senior author, Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, emphasized the importance of monitoring adolescent sleep health, stating that identifying and addressing sleep issues early could prevent potential heart problems in later life. With teenagers typically obtaining only 6.5 hours of sleep per weeknight—well below the recommended 8 to 10 hours—the research underscores a critical public health concern.

These findings contribute to growing evidence that sleep plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health, suggesting that establishing healthy sleep patterns during adolescence could have long-term preventative benefits.