Teenagers who fail to meet the recommended sleep duration may face an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure, according to preliminary research unveiled at the American Heart Association’s 2025 Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions. The session, held in New Orleans from March 6-9, 2025, showcased the latest findings in population health and lifestyle-related wellness.
The American Heart Association’s 2025 Statistical Update reveals that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, surpassing all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. Given that adequate sleep is a key factor in cardiovascular health, this new study highlights growing concerns regarding adolescent sleep habits. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teens get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night, yet many high school students fall short, averaging only 6.5 hours per night on school days.
The study, which involved more than 400 teenagers from the Penn State Child Cohort, examined sleep patterns and blood pressure. Participants self-reported insomnia symptoms before undergoing a lab-based sleep study. The research team used a polysomnography test—a nine-hour overnight study with sensors attached to participants to measure their sleep. Blood pressure was also monitored during the study.
“While we know that disturbed and insufficient sleep is linked to high blood pressure in adults, particularly those who report insomnia and sleep less than six hours, we still lack definitive data on whether these associations extend to adolescents,” said Dr. Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, the senior study author and professor of psychiatry at Pennsylvania State University.
In this study, insomnia was defined as difficulty falling or staying asleep, and short sleep duration was marked by less than 7.7 hours of sleep. Teens were classified as having elevated blood pressure if their systolic reading was 120 mm Hg or higher, and stage 2 hypertension if their systolic was 140 mm Hg or above.
The findings revealed:
- Teens who reported insomnia and slept less than 7.7 hours were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension compared to those who were good sleepers.
- Those who slept less than 7.7 hours but did not report insomnia were nearly three times more likely to have elevated blood pressure than good sleepers.
- Interestingly, teens who self-reported insomnia but slept enough (7.7 hours or more) did not exhibit increased blood pressure risk.
These results suggest that a combination of insomnia and insufficient sleep may have a more significant impact on cardiovascular health than sleep deprivation alone.
“We are still in the early stages of understanding this link in teens,” said Fernandez-Mendoza, “but the message is clear: sleep health should be prioritized in adolescence to prevent long-term heart health risks.”
The study also emphasizes the importance of monitoring sleep duration in adolescents, especially for those who show symptoms of insomnia, to identify potential risks for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” which includes sleep, proper diet, physical activity, and blood pressure control, highlights the importance of good sleep hygiene in cardiovascular health.
The study’s first author, 17-year-old Axel Robinson from Pelham Memorial High School in New York, expressed that sleep is a personal interest due to his own struggles with insomnia. He collaborated with Dr. Fernandez-Mendoza to research insomnia and its impacts on health.
The cohort consisted of 421 participants from Pennsylvania, aged 16.5 years on average. 35% of participants reported insomnia symptoms, and 50% slept less than the recommended 7.7 hours. The research took place between 2010 and 2013, with data analysis completed in 2023-2024. While promising, researchers note that the study was conducted in a lab setting, which may not reflect teens’ sleep patterns at home.
Dr. Brooke Aggarwal from Columbia University Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, stressed the importance of establishing healthy sleep patterns in adolescence to prevent future cardiovascular issues. She also advised on practical steps for improving sleep, such as reducing screen time before bed, eating lighter evening meals, and maintaining physical activity.
As daylight saving time approaches on March 9, 2025, experts suggest that adjusting sleep schedules gradually and ensuring sufficient rest could help mitigate the sleep disruptions that often accompany the time change.
Ultimately, this study underscores the critical need for increased awareness of the link between sleep and cardiovascular health in teens. As more research is conducted, there may be greater insight into how disturbed sleep can influence long-term health outcomes.
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