1 in 4 Schoolchildren Sleep Deprived, Facing Mental and Physical Health Risks: Dr V K Paul, NITI Aayog
New Delhi: Nearly one in four schoolchildren in Delhi aren’t getting enough sleep, putting them at serious risk of both mental and physical health problems, warned Dr (Prof) V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, as he released a new study on sleep deprivation among adolescents on Monday.
The study, led by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) under the Ministry of Health and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, focused on the prevalence of sleep deprivation and how it affects cognitive functions among school-going adolescents, aged 12–18 years.
“Sleep is important for brain function, strong immunity, optimum performance, and memory. It's a fundamental biological need,” said Paul, calling for seven-eight hours of good quality sleep.
“Sleep deprivation among school children's impact on cognitive health is an issue gaining urgency in today’s academic environment,” he added.
He also noted popular distractions today, particularly the role of screen time as a significant barrier to sleep.
Paul stressed the “need to promote positive sleep for the kids to be smarter and intelligent, competent as well as skilled.”
The expert urged health professionals and policy enablers to work together to improve the sleep status of children and the youth in the country.
The study’s findings revealed that 22.5 per cent of adolescents are sleep-deprived, reflecting a significant concern for mental and physical health. While 60 per cent of participants showed depressive symptoms, another 65.7 per cent of adolescents demonstrated mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
The research highlighted that along with screen time, school routines and family habits also influence sleep quality and contribute to daytime dysfunction.
“The findings from the study highlight a concerning pattern: many adolescents are not getting adequate sleep, which is closely associated with poor concentration, emotional dysregulation, and reduced academic output,” said Dr Latika Bhalla, Senior Consultant Adolescent Paediatrician, Institute of Child Health, at the Hospital.
The study concluded with a strong call for schools, families, and policymakers to recognise sleep health as essential to adolescent development, while also underlining the urgent need for mental health interventions among children and adolescents.
(With inputs from IANS)
Rishika Verma is a graduate from Delhi University. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2023. Her interest lies in reporting health news, hospital updates, health updates, medical case studies, and advancements in healthcare, etc.