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A recent study published in the journal *Pediatrics* highlights a troubling trend among American teenagers: they are getting less sleep than ever before. The research reveals a steady decline in sleep duration across all age groups, with only 22 per cent of older adolescents reporting they achieve the recommended seven hours of rest each night. This analysis, which encompasses data from over 400,000 American youths collected between 1991 and 2023, raises significant concerns regarding the long-term implications of sleep deprivation on health and well-being.
The Canadian Context
In Canada, the issue mirrors that of its southern neighbour. A January 2026 study found that 37 per cent of Canadian youth aged 12 to 17 do not meet the national guidelines for sleep duration. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that teenagers between 14 and 17 should aim for eight to ten hours of sleep each night. Andrew Holmes, a registered polysomnographic technologist and founder of Sleep Efficiency, underscores the pressures faced by Canadian teens, stating, “Canadian teenagers are under the same pressures as our neighbours [in the U.S.] academically and socially, and sleep is often the first thing sacrificed.”
Holmes further explains that as adolescents transition into adulthood, their sleep architecture naturally shifts. This biological change causes teenagers to stay awake later, while their need for adequate rest remains unchanged. “They still require eight to ten hours of sleep to function optimally,” he notes.
The Sleep Crisis Among Teens
Jean-Philippe Chaput, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Ottawa, supports Holmes’s observations. He notes a concerning trend in Canadian teens: approximately 30 per cent are not receiving the recommended amount of sleep. “It’s crucial to recognise that inadequate sleep can have profound implications for their health and development,” he emphasises.
Rebecca Robillard, co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium, adds that sleep is particularly vital during adolescence. “Due to normal developmental changes, teens have a biological clock that runs later. This makes it physiologically more difficult for them to sleep early and wake early,” she explains.
Factors Contributing to Sleep Deprivation
Several factors are exacerbating the sleep crisis among teenagers. Holmes cites demanding extracurricular activities, heavy homework loads, and, significantly, excessive use of smartphones as key contributors to this issue. “Many teens are staying up late, scrolling through social media or worrying they’ll miss out on conversations, a phenomenon known as ‘FOMO’ or fear of missing out,” he states.
Chaput agrees that screen time plays a substantial role in the sleep deprivation epidemic. “Social media usage delays bedtime, causing them to go to bed much later than they should,” he says. While he acknowledges the importance of social media for teens in forming their identities and maintaining connections, he warns that it can severely disrupt their sleep patterns.
The Role of School Schedules
Further complicating matters are early school start times. According to Chaput, the average start time for schools in Canada is around 8:30 a.m., while in the U.S., it’s even earlier at 7:45 a.m. This reality necessitates that teenagers wake up at least two hours before school starts, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. “If a teenager has to wake up at 6:30 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. start, they are already at a disadvantage in achieving the recommended amount of sleep,” he argues.
Holmes points out that these early starts, combined with late-night commitments, create a perfect storm for sleep deprivation, which can have lasting effects into adulthood. “The teenage years are when many long-term behavioural patterns are formed, including sleep routines,” he explains. “If poor sleep habits are established early, they often persist, making it essential to address this issue now.”
Why it Matters
The implications of sleep deprivation during adolescence extend far beyond mere fatigue. Insufficient sleep can lead to adverse health outcomes, including mental health disorders, academic difficulties, and impaired cognitive function. As Canadian teenagers navigate a world filled with academic pressures and social expectations, the need to prioritise sleep cannot be overstated. By raising awareness and implementing changes in educational and social structures, we can help foster an environment where youth can thrive, both in their waking hours and during their much-needed rest.
