Young Adults Who Skimp on Sleep Report More Health Problems

Researchers used data from a large European health survey in which 17,465 17- to 30-year-old students from 21 countries reported on their health behaviors. The students noted how long they tended to sleep in a 24-hour period. They also rated their health as either excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor and noted whether they had experienced symptoms of depression.

The study participants' average sleep times ranged from 6 hours to more than 8 hours. Almost two thirds of the respondents slept 7–8 hours, but 21% were "short sleepers" and slept 6–7 hours. In addition, 16% of students — termed "long sleepers" by researchers — slept longer than 8 hours.

Compared with students who slept 7–8 hours a night, short sleepers were significantly more likely to rate their health as poor or fair. Long sleepers, on the other hand, didn't seem to experience higher rates of health problems. The study authors suggest that increased daytime tiredness or loss of sleep may contribute to health problems; lack of sleep may also influence mood, which may affect how someone perceives his or health, they say.

What This Means to You. The results of this large study suggest that skipping sleep could adversely affect a person's health. For many adolescents, sleep may take a back seat to studying, working, and socializing. Encourage your teen to stick to a regular bedtime. Avoiding caffeine before bed, exercising earlier in the day, and quitting smoking may also improve sleep. If your teen or young adult tries to sleep but struggles with insomnia, talk to your doctor about strategies or treatments that may help.

Source: Andrew Steptoe, PhD, DSc; Victoria Peacey, MSc; Jane Wardle, PhD; Archives of Internal Medicine, September 18, 2006.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD Date reviewed: October 2006

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

© 1995-2008 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.