well-being
CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON GIRLS
A SERIES OF RESEARCH AND INFORMATIONAL PUBLICATIONS BY LCRG
“Putting the world’s best research to work for girls.”
by Dr. Tori Cordiano and Dr. Lisa Damour
GIRLS AND WELL-BEING: SLEEP Research on sleep deprivation in children and adolescents demonstrates that “sleep deprivation is not only common, but also represents a chronic problem among youths.” 1 Studies find that more than half of adolescents in the United States sleep less than eight hours per night and 58% of 15-17 year-olds sleep seven hours or fewer, when eight to ten hours are recommended.2, 3 Not surprisingly, sleep deprivation is associated with poor cognitive performance, emotional health, and physical health.4, 5 As children, boys and girls tend to sleep equally well.6, 7 A dramatic rise in sleep problems emerges with the onset of puberty for girls; a similar trend does not occur with the onset of puberty for boys. Beginning in adolescence, research indicates that girls experience greater sleep impairment, including shorter self-reported sleep duration, more night awakenings, and more difficulty falling asleep.8, 9, 10 While hormonal causes may play a role in the increased rate of sleep problems in girls relative to boys, several other factors that interfere with sleep in childhood and adolescence have also been identified by researchers.11 These include the use of technology, adolescents’ efforts to “catch up” on sleep during weekends, and the consumption of caffeine.