Inadequate Sleep Linked to Increased Hypertension Risk in Teenagers

New Delhi: Teenagers who fail to get adequate sleep may face a heightened risk of developing high blood pressure, a known factor for cardiovascular diseases, according to new research.

A study led by researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that adolescents experiencing both insomnia and insufficient sleep were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension compared to those with healthy sleep habits. The research, involving over 400 teenagers in the US, defined insomnia as difficulty falling or staying asleep, while short sleep duration was classified as sleeping less than 7.7 hours per night.

Findings revealed that teens who slept fewer than 7.7 hours but did not report insomnia still had nearly three times the risk of elevated blood pressure compared to those getting sufficient sleep. However, adolescents who reported insomnia but managed to obtain adequate rest did not show an increased risk of high blood pressure.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers should ideally sleep 8 to 10 hours per night. However, most high school students only manage around 6.5 hours per night on school days, potentially affecting their cardiovascular health.

Julio Fernandez-Mendoza, a professor of psychiatry at Penn State, noted that while poor sleep has long been recognized as a risk factor for high blood pressure in adults, its impact on teenagers remains underexplored. He emphasized that addressing sleep issues early could help prevent future heart problems.

"Not all teens who report insomnia are at risk for cardiovascular disease, but objectively monitoring their sleep duration can help identify those with a more severe form of insomnia and a higher likelihood of heart issues," Fernandez-Mendoza said.

The study suggests that a combination of sleep deprivation and insomnia may pose a greater threat to cardiovascular health than insufficient sleep alone. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology, Prevention, Lifestyle, and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.