Impact of Chronic Sleep Loss in Adolescents
Physical health and safety |
Increased obesity risk |
Metabolic dysfunction (hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus) |
Increased cardiovascular morbidity (hypertension, increased risk of stroke) |
Increased rates of motor vehicle crashes (“drowsy driving”) |
Higher rates of caffeine consumption; increased risk of toxicity/overdose |
Nonmedical use of stimulant medications; diversion |
Lower levels of physical activity |
Mental health and behavior |
Increased risk for anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation |
Poor impulse control and self-regulation; increased risk-taking behaviors |
Emotional dysregulation; decreased positive affect |
Impaired interpretation of social/emotional cues in self and others |
Decreased motivation |
Increased vulnerability to stress |
Academics and school performance |
Cognitive deficits, especially with more complex tasks |
Impairments in executive function (working memory, organization, time management, sustained effort) |
Impairments in attention and memory |
Deficits in abstract thinking, verbal creativity |
Decreased performance efficiency and output |
Lower academic achievement |
Poor school attendance |
Increased dropout rates |