A growing number of teenagers in the United States are not getting enough sleep, according to experts in child health and education. On average, adolescents require between eight and ten hours of rest each night, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, almost 80% of teens reportedly fail to meet this standard. The issue has become more prominent in recent years and is affecting key aspects of life, such as school performance, mental health, and physical safety. This concern has been observed in various settings, including homes and schools, especially during early morning schedules. Experts note that screen use before bedtime, such as smartphones and streaming services, contributes significantly to the delay in falling asleep. The lack of proper sleep hygiene has become a persistent problem among adolescents, according to specialists in developmental science.

To improve sleep, experts suggest removing electronic devices from bedrooms and setting a regular bedtime. Research has shown that exposure to artificial light before sleep reduces melatonin, a hormone necessary for feeling sleepy. Replacing screen time with reading, warm showers, or quiet routines at night is considered beneficial. Adolescents who do not receive sufficient sleep may experience extreme mood changes, decreased academic focus, and impaired decision-making. According to recent studies, insufficient sleep is also associated with higher risks of injury, risky behavior, and traffic accidents due to drowsy driving. Medical experts emphasize that educating teens about the consequences of sleep loss can help promote behavioral change. Professionals described teen sleep deprivation as a chronic and widespread issue, requiring intervention, education, and preventive action from both families and schools.