Sleep Less, Risk More: Teens May Face Rising Blood Pressure Without Realizing It

Teenagers who sleep less than 7 hours per night or suffer from insomnia may be at risk of high blood pressure without even realizing it.

A recent study presented at the EPI Lifestyle 2025 conference indicates that insufficient sleep directly affects the brain and the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart function and blood pressure. This is especially evident among those with chronic sleep problems. Measurements using polysomnography (PSG) revealed abnormalities in brain wave activity during deep sleep.

The study found that

• Teenagers with chronic insomnia are up to 5 times more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to others.
• Even healthy teenagers who sleep too little or experience poor sleep quality have twice the risk.

Experts recommend that, for long-term heart health, teenagers should prioritize good sleep quality. This includes avoiding mobile phone or screen use before bedtime, creating a calm and sleep-friendly environment, and seeking

professional help immediately if symptoms of insomnia or chronic sleep issues occur, in order to prevent long-term cardiovascular problems.

Translated by : ภญ.ดร. จิรพันธ์ ม่วงเจริญ