Teens Need More Sleep—Or They Risk High Blood Pressure

A new study has found that teenagers who do not get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension). This highlights the strong connection between sleep health and heart health, emphasizing the importance of good sleep habits.

Teens Sleeping Less Than 7.7 Hours Face Higher Hypertension Risk

Research conducted by Pennsylvania State University in the United States shows that teenagers who sleep less than 7.7 hours per night have a significantly higher chance of developing high blood pressure. This can increase their risk of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

Insomnia and Short Sleep Increase Hypertension Risk Fivefold

The study examined over 400 teenagers and found that those who experienced both insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) and short sleep (less than 7.7 hours) were five times more likely to develop clinical hypertension compared to those who had sufficient sleep and no insomnia.
Even teenagers who did not report insomnia but still slept fewer than 7.7 hours were nearly three times more likely to have elevated blood pressure. However, those who had insomnia but managed to sleep enough hours did not appear to have a higher risk of hypertension.

Teenagers Need More Sleep for a Healthy Heart

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers should ideally get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. However, the average high school student sleeps only about 6.5 hours per school night, falling well short of the recommended amount.

Why This Study Matters

Poor sleep is a known risk factor for high blood pressure in adults, but its effects on teenagers have not been fully understood until now. Professor Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, a psychiatrist at Pennsylvania State University, explained that this study highlights the need to prioritize sleep health at an early age.
“While we need further research on a larger group of teenagers, this study confirms that sleep health is closely linked to heart health. We need to address sleep problems early rather than waiting until adulthood,” stated Fernandez-Mendoza

Monitoring Sleep for Better Heart Health

Not all teenagers who struggle with sleep are at risk for heart problems, but tracking their sleep duration can help identify those who might develop more serious conditions.
The findings of this research were presented at the American Heart Association’s Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle, and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.

Key Takeaways

Teenagers who sleep less than 7.7 hours per night face a higher risk of hypertension.
Those with both insomnia and short sleep are at the greatest risk, increasing the likelihood of hypertension fivefold.
Monitoring sleep duration can help prevent long-term cardiovascular problems.
Addressing sleep health early can protect heart health in adulthood.

Ensuring that teenagers get enough quality sleep is essential for their overall well-being and long-term heart health. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals should encourage healthy sleep habits to help reduce the risk of future cardiovascular issues.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.