Teen Sleep Deprivation Linked to High Blood Pressure: AHA Scientific Sessions 2025

NEW ORLEANS,LA – Teenagers consistently missing teh recommended sleep face a higher risk of developing high blood pressure,according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Epidemiology,Prevention,Lifestyle & Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting, scheduled for March 6-9, 2025, in New Orleans, highlights advancements in population-based health and lifestyle choices. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassing cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases, according to the AHA’s 2025 Statistical Update. experts recommend eight to 10 hours of sleep for teens, but studies show high school students average only 6.5 hours per weeknight.

The research emphasizes sleep’s critical role in cardiovascular health during adolescence.The American Heart Association’s 2025 Statistical Update underscores that cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., exceeding all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. Experts at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend teenagers get between eight and 10 hours of sleep each night. However, studies indicate that the average high school student only gets approximately 6.5 hours of sleep per weeknight, creating a notable sleep deficit.

The Penn State Child Cohort Study

Researchers examined the sleep patterns of over 400 teenagers from the Penn State Child Cohort. Participants completed a questionnaire to self-report insomnia experiences before a lab-based sleep study. The study involved an overnight polysomnography, a nine-hour sleep assessment in a controlled lab.Sensors monitored sleep duration and quality. Three consecutive blood pressure measurements were taken on the night of the sleep study, two to three hours before lights out.

Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., a professor at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, served as the senior author. He emphasized the importance of understanding the sleep-blood pressure link in adolescents.

We no that disturbed and insufficient sleep is associated with high blood pressure in adults, particularly in adults who report insomnia and sleep objectively less than six hours, but we do not yet know if these associations exist in adolescents.
Julio fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University college of Medicine

Defining Insomnia and Short Sleep Duration

For the study, insomnia was defined as self-reported difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Objective short sleep duration was defined as less than 7.7 hours, based on the median total time asleep observed in the lab. Elevated blood pressure was defined as a systolic reading of 120 mm Hg or higher and a diastolic reading of 80 mm Hg or lower. Stage 2 hypertension was defined as an average systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or an average diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, aligning with the American Heart Association’s 2017 guideline.

The American Heart Association’s 2017 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults provided the framework for defining elevated blood pressure and stage 2 hypertension. This guideline is a cornerstone in cardiovascular health, offering specific thresholds for blood pressure readings that indicate potential health risks. by adhering to these established criteria, the study ensured consistency and comparability with existing research on hypertension.

Key Findings of the Study

The research revealed significant associations between sleep patterns and blood pressure in teenagers:

• Teenagers who self-reported insomnia and slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension than “good sleepers.”
• Teenagers who slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab but did not report insomnia had nearly three times the risk of elevated blood pressure compared to the good sleepers.
• Teens who self-reported insomnia but obtained sufficient sleep in the lab did not appear to be at higher risk for elevated blood pressure or stage 2 hypertension.

These findings suggest that the combination of insomnia and inadequate sleep duration may contribute to more severe health conditions than simply a lack of sleep alone. The researchers emphasized the need for further inquiry into these associations in larger studies involving teenagers.

According to Fernandez-Mendoza:

While we need to explore this association in larger studies on teens, it is safe to say that sleep health matters for heart health, and we should not wait until adulthood to address it. Not all teens who complain of insomnia symptoms are at risk for cardiovascular issues, however, monitoring their sleep duration objectively can help us identify those who have a more severe form of insomnia and are at-risk for heart problems.
Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, neuroscience and public health sciences and director of behavioral sleep medicine, pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

The Importance of sleep Health

Improving sleep health is a crucial step everyone can take to enhance their cardiovascular well-being, and it is a key component of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8. The Life’s Essential 8 encompasses eating healthy foods, engaging in physical activity, abstaining from smoking, getting sufficient sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels.

Axel Robinson, a 17-year-old senior at Pelham Memorial High School in Pelham, New York, and the study’s first author, emphasized the importance of the findings, stating, Our findings are critically important as thay call attention to the need to listen to teens who complain of disturbed sleep, to monitor and assess their sleep objectively and help them improve it to prevent heart problems early.

Robinson’s involvement in the study highlights the potential for young researchers to contribute to important scientific discoveries. He initially reached out to Fernandez-mendoza after reading one of his scientific articles in ninth grade,seeking mentorship for his research interests.I have always been personally interested in insomnia, so I pursued two internships with Dr.Fernandez-Mendoza with the goal of learning more about the disorder. Insomnia had bothered me my entire life and I was able to overcome it thanks to what I learned and a therapist he recommended, Robinson said.

Study Details and Background

The study involved a diverse group of 421 participants (54% boys and 46% girls, average age 16.5 years) from three school districts in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area. The racial and ethnic composition of the participants was as follows: 77% self-identified as white; 13% self-identified as Black; 7% self-identified as Hispanic; and 3% selected “Other.” The overnight sleep study and blood pressure measurements were conducted between 2010 and 2013, while the data analyses were performed between 2023 and 2024.

Of the participants, 35% reported experiencing difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep (insomnia symptoms), and 50% slept less than 7.7 hours in the lab (objective short sleep duration). The data was collected through self-reported questionnaires, polysomnography (sleep study in a lab), and seated blood pressure measurements collected in the lab on the same evening as the sleep studies.The Penn State Child Cohort is an ongoing study that continues to collect data from

Teen Sleep Deprivation: A Ticking Time Bomb for Heart Health? An Exclusive Interview

Is it true that insufficient sleep in teenagers could significantly increase their risk of developing high blood pressure, possibly paving the way for future cardiovascular diseases?

Yes, absolutely. This emerging research highlights a critical link between adolescent sleep deprivation and elevated blood pressure. WhatS truly alarming is the sheer volume of teens affected and the potentially devastating long-term consequences.We’re not just talking about occasional tiredness; we’re looking at a potential public health crisis that needs immediate attention. The study you’re referencing underscores this connection powerfully, showing a strong correlation between insufficient sleep, insomnia and increased hypertension risk in adolescents.

Can you elaborate on the study’s methodology and key findings regarding the relationship between sleep patterns and blood pressure in teenagers?

the Penn State Child Cohort study utilized a rigorous methodology, combining self-reported sleep questionnaires with objective polysomnography – a extensive sleep study conducted in a controlled lab setting. this approach allowed researchers to accurately measure both subjective sleep experiences (insomnia symptoms) and objective sleep parameters (duration, quality).They assessed blood pressure multiple times before sleep, ensuring precision. Crucially, they defined clear thresholds for elevated blood pressure and hypertension, aligning with established American Heart Association guidelines.

The study’s findings are striking. Teenagers reporting insomnia and sleeping less than 7.7 hours in the lab demonstrated a fivefold increase in hypertension risk compared to adolescents who were considered “good sleepers.” Even teens without self-reported insomnia but still sleeping less than 7.7 hours had nearly triple the risk of elevated blood pressure. This underscores the dual threat of both poor sleep quality (insomnia) and insufficient sleep quantity. Importantly, teens with insomnia who did get enough sleep in the lab did not show a similarly increased risk, highlighting that the combination of both factors is critical.

What are the long-term implications of these findings for adolescent cardiovascular health?

These findings paint a serious picture. High blood pressure in adolescence isn’t just a temporary issue; it’s a meaningful risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Conditions like coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure are all closely tied to high blood pressure. By identifying these risk factors early – in adolescence – we can implement preventative strategies that may significantly reduce the burden of these diseases in adulthood. Early intervention, emphasizing healthy sleep habits alongside other lifestyle choices, is key.

The study mentions the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8. How does sleep fit into this broader framework of cardiovascular health?

sleep is an absolutely crucial part of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, alongside factors like diet, exercise, and blood pressure management. It’s not just an optional extra; it’s a foundational element necessary to promote overall cardiovascular health. Insufficient sleep disrupts the body’s natural rhythms, impacting various physiological processes that are vital for a healthy heart. Prioritizing sleep should be considered just as important as a balanced diet or regular physical activity.

What practical steps can parents, educators, and teenagers themselves take to improve adolescent sleep health?

Establish a regular sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up around the same time, even on weekends, helps regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine: This could involve a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music – anything that helps signal the body to prepare for sleep.

Optimize the sleep habitat: Ensure the bedroom is dark,quiet,and cool.

Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted from electronic devices can interfere with sleep.

Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise promotes better sleep, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.

Seek professional help when needed: For those experiencing persistent insomnia or other sleep disturbances, seeking assistance from a sleep specialist or therapist is vital.

what is the most important message you want readers to take away from this research?

Adolescent sleep health is not merely a matter of feeling tired; it is a essential component of long-term cardiovascular health. Ignoring the link between insufficient sleep, especially when coupled with insomnia, and the increased risk of hypertension in teens could have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences.Parents, educators, and healthcare providers must work together to prioritize and promote healthy sleep habits among teenagers. Early intervention is key to preventing heart disease later in life. Let’s start taking adolescent sleep seriously.This isn’t just about better grades; it’s about a healthier future.We encourage everyone to share this vital data and engage in the comments section to discuss their experiences and perspectives.