Scientists have discovered that being popular among teenagers, particularly teenage girls, can have a downside when it comes to getting enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for both mental and physical health, as it aids in memory consolidation and physical recovery. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to various health issues such as heart disease, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and depression. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that teenagers aged 13 to 18 get eight to 10 hours of sleep each night, but national surveys show that more than seven in 10 high schoolers are not meeting this recommendation.
During adolescence, sleep becomes even more important, as the natural body clock shifts slightly later around age 13. This shift, combined with early school mornings, homework, after-school activities, and screen time, makes it challenging for many teens to get the recommended amount of sleep. A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Sleep found that popular teenagers, particularly girls, reported shorter sleep duration and more insomnia symptoms than their peers. The study involved over 1,300 Swedish teenagers aged 14 to 18, who were asked to nominate up to three friends, with the most nominated individuals considered the most “popular.” Interestingly, the most popular teens slept less—up to 27 minutes less for the “most popular” individuals.
Gender disparities were also observed in the study, with popular girls experiencing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up early, while popular boys did not experience these symptoms significantly. The researchers suggest that the types of friendships girls and boys have at that age might play a role in these differences. Girls tend to show more care and concern for their friends and engage in helping behaviors, which could impact their ability to fall asleep. The study highlights the importance of considering teenagers’ sleep needs in school schedules, as research shows that even 30 minutes of extra sleep can lead to improved mental health and school performance.
Overall, the study sheds light on the challenges teenagers, especially popular teenage girls, face in getting enough sleep. Despite the importance of sleep for overall health and well-being, many adolescents are not meeting the recommended sleep duration. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to take into account teenagers’ sleep needs when designing school schedules and activities, as sleep deprivation can have long-term implications for physical and mental health. The findings also suggest that social dynamics may play a role in sleep patterns among teenagers, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.
