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Recent research published in the journal *Pediatrics* has unveiled a concerning trend: American teenagers are experiencing unprecedented reductions in sleep duration. The findings highlight a persistent decline across all age groups, revealing that only 22 per cent of older adolescents manage to achieve the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. This comprehensive study draws from data involving over 400,000 teenagers across the United States, spanning from 1991 to 2023.
In Canada, a similar pattern emerges. A study conducted in January 2026 indicated that 37 per cent of youth aged 12 to 17 fail to meet the national sleep duration guidelines. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, adolescents aged 14 to 17 should ideally obtain between eight to ten hours of sleep per night to support their health and development.
The Pressure on Canadian Youth
Andrew Holmes, the founder of Sleep Efficiency and a registered polysomnographic technologist, emphasised the mounting pressures that Canadian teenagers face, mirroring those of their American counterparts. “Academic and social demands are intense, and sleep is frequently the first casualty,” he noted in a statement to Global News.
Holmes elaborated on the physiological changes that occur during adolescence, stating, “As teens evolve into adulthood, their sleep architecture and circadian rhythm undergo a shift. They naturally tend to stay up later but still require eight to ten hours of sleep to function at their best.”
The Sleep Crisis in Canada
Jean-Philippe Chaput, a professor at the University of Ottawa and a senior scientist with the Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group, corroborated Holmes’ observations. He stated, “In Canada, we see that approximately a third of adolescents are not getting enough sleep, with around 30 per cent sleeping less than the recommended eight hours.” Conversely, he indicated that about 70 per cent of teenagers fall within the healthy sleep range.
Rebecca Robillard, co-chair of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium and director of the Clinical Sleep Research Unit at the University of Ottawa, stressed the importance of adequate rest during adolescence. “Developmental changes mean that teens have a biological clock that runs later, making it more challenging for them to fall asleep and wake up early,” she explained.
Factors Contributing to Sleep Deprivation
Holmes identified several factors that exacerbate the sleep deprivation crisis among teenagers, including rigorous extracurricular commitments, heavy homework loads, and, significantly, excessive smartphone usage. “Many teens are up late, scrolling through social media or worrying about missing out on group chat conversations, a phenomenon commonly referred to as FOMO,” he said.
Chaput also pointed out that screen time and social media significantly contribute to adolescents’ sleep struggles. “Social media usage tends to delay bedtime, resulting in teens going to bed much later than they should,” he said. He acknowledged that social media plays a crucial role in teenagers’ lives, allowing them to connect with friends and shape their identities during this formative period.
The Role of School Start Times
Early school start times further complicate the sleep issue. Holmes noted that with schools beginning as early as 8 a.m., students are often forced to wake up by 6:30 a.m., leading to chronic sleep deprivation. “It’s difficult for teenagers to obtain their recommended eight to ten hours under such circumstances,” he explained.
Chaput echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the average school start time in Canada is 8:30 a.m., which is slightly later than the 7:45 a.m. start time in the U.S. However, he argued that even this can lead to insufficient sleep for many teenagers given their morning routines.
Long-Term Consequences of Sleep Deprivation
Poor sleep patterns established during adolescence can have lasting implications. Holmes warned, “The teenage years are critical for forming long-term behaviours, including sleep habits. If teens normalise chronic sleep deprivation and late-night screen use, these patterns are likely to continue into adulthood without conscious intervention.”
A national survey conducted by Leger in March 2026 revealed that 41 per cent of Canadians are getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Alarmingly, 57 per cent of respondents reported difficulties falling asleep, while 71 per cent struggled to maintain sleep throughout the night. Notably, even among those achieving seven or more hours, nearly 65 per cent reported challenges with sleep quality.
“Almost every aspect of our lives is interconnected with sleep,” Chaput remarked. “We spend roughly one-third of our lives asleep. It’s crucial that society begins to value sleep more, especially during the teenage years, when its importance is often overlooked.”
Why it Matters
The growing sleep crisis among teenagers is not merely a personal health issue but a societal concern that warrants immediate attention. Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. As teenagers navigate the complexities of adolescence, their ability to thrive academically and socially hinges on adequate rest. By prioritising sleep and addressing the factors that contribute to its decline, we can help foster a healthier, more productive generation.
