A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Sleep has found that popular teenagers, particularly girls, are more likely to suffer from insomnia and sleep deprivation. The study, which surveyed over 1,300 Swedish teenagers aged 14 to 18, found that those who were considered the most popular slept less than their peers, with popular girls experiencing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early. Popular boys, on the other hand, did not experience these symptoms to a significant extent. The researchers suggest that this gender disparity may be due to the types of friendships girls and boys tend to have at that age, with girls being more likely to carry concerns about their friends into their sleep.
The study highlights the importance of sleep for teenagers, with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommending 13 to 18-year-olds get eight to 10 hours of sleep every night. However, national surveys show that more than 70 percent of high schoolers are not getting enough sleep. Factors contributing to this include the natural shift in teenagers’ body clocks towards later sleep schedules, early school mornings, homework, after school activities, and screen time. This lack of sleep can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health, contributing to heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and depression.
Despite the potential negative impacts of popularity on sleep among teenagers, socializing is an important part of adolescence. The researchers suggest that these findings add to a growing body of evidence that school schedules are not accommodating teenagers’ sleep needs. It is important to address the sleep deprivation among teenagers, as studies have shown that just 30 minutes of extra sleep can lead to improved mental health and better school performance. Teenagers are considered one of the most sleep-deprived populations throughout the lifespan, highlighting the need for interventions to promote healthy sleep habits among this age group.
The study’s findings shed light on the challenges faced by popular teenagers, particularly girls, in getting adequate sleep. The results suggest that social dynamics and relationships may play a role in sleep patterns among teenagers, with girls experiencing more difficulties with sleep than boys. Understanding these gender disparities and the impact of popularity on sleep can help inform interventions and policies aimed at promoting healthy sleep habits among teenagers. By addressing these issues, we can better support the mental and physical wellbeing of adolescents, ultimately improving their overall health and academic performance.
