Are teens getting enough sleep? The CDC has concerns

(ATLANTA, Ga.) — The CDC just came out with a new study focusing on the causes and effects of sleep deprivation on teens across the nation. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, a full 76% of teens suffered from insufficient sleep.

Seems like a problem best addressed by some morning coffee, right? It’s a bit more complicated than that, Dr. Sarah Sliwa told WSB anchor/health reporter Sabrina Cupit. “There’s an association between those who weren’t getting enough sleep, who are also experiencing poor mental health and having more difficulty doing their schoolwork.”

While caffeine in the mornings can sometimes help kickstart the brain, it isn’t a viable longterm strategy for maintaining performance throughout the day. Especially for teens with developing brains, a full 8-10 hours of sleep every night is required for a healthy lifestyle.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of sleep deprivation were growing in prevalence throughout the United States. In 2020, however, almost 67% of highschoolers reported having increased difficulties with completing their coursework.

In short: less sleep means more difficulty with schoolwork, and could lead to lower overall grades.

The best solution? Aim for 8-10 hours of solid sleep every night.

WSB anchor/health reporter Sabrina Cupit contributed to reporting for this story.

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