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Abstract

Sleep deprivation has become virtually epidemic among American teenagers. Research suggests that adolescents require about 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep, but according to the National Sleep Foundation, only 14% achieve this goal, and approximately 70% of adolescents obtain less than 8 hours of sleep on a typical weeknight. This chronic sleep debt can have very serious consequences for the developing brain and body. Adolescents who do not achieve sufficient sleep are more irritable and depressed, and are at greater risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than their peers. Chronic sleep deprivation can also undermine health, particularly metabolic and immune function, and can predispose adolescents to obesity. In addition to the effects on physical and mental health, research has also shown that inadequate sleep has a major impact on learning, memory, motivation, and academic performance. Sleep deprivation is associated with deficits in executive function, which includes organizational skill, working memory, and ability to apply sustained effort. These deficits are especially apparent on more complex tasks, and those that require abstract thinking.