Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Prevalence of Short Sleep Duration: 34.9% of persons aged 4 months–17 years slept less than the recommended duration for their age.
2. Age and Sleep Duration: The prevalence of short sleep duration was highest among infants aged 4–11 months (40.3%) and lowest among adolescents aged 13–17 years (31.2%).
3. Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities: Short sleep duration was more common among racial and ethnic minority groups, persons with low socioeconomic status, and those with special health care needs.
4. Geographic Variations: Southeastern states had a higher prevalence of short sleep duration, with Mississippi having the highest at 48.9%.
5. Importance of Regular Bedtime: Persons with a regular bedtime were more likely to get sufficient sleep, highlighting the importance of consistent sleep routines.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Anne G. Wheaton, awheaton@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Wheaton AG, Claussen AH. Short Sleep Duration Among Infants, Children, and Adolescents Aged 4 Months–17 Years — United States, 2016–2018. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1315–1321. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7038a1

Summary

This study analyzed data from the 2016–2018 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) to assess the prevalence of short sleep duration among U.S. persons aged 4 months–17 years. The findings indicate that 34.9% of this population slept less than the recommended duration for their age, with higher prevalence observed among racial and ethnic minorities, those with low socioeconomic status, and those with special health care needs. The study also found that having a regular bedtime was associated with sufficient sleep.

Methods

The NSCH is a population-based, nationally representative survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Parents reported their child’s sleep duration and bedtime regularity. Short sleep duration was defined based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommendations. The study included 99,842 persons aged 4 months–17 years and used weighted prevalence estimates and t-tests for statistical analysis.

Discussion

The study highlights significant disparities in sleep duration among different demographic groups and geographic regions. The reliance on parent-reported data may have influenced the findings, particularly for older children and adolescents. The study underscores the importance of addressing social determinants of health that contribute to sleep disparities and recommends consistent bedtime routines to improve sleep duration.

Conclusion

Short sleep duration is a prevalent issue among U.S. infants, children, and adolescents, with significant disparities based on race, socioeconomic status, and health conditions. Public health interventions should focus on promoting regular bedtime routines and addressing social and environmental factors that affect sleep.

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