Short Sleep Duration Among Infants, Children, and Adolescents Aged 4 Months-17 Years - United States, 2016-2018.

Infants, children, and adolescents who do not get sufficient sleep are at increased risk for injuries, obesity, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, attention and behavior problems, and poor cognitive development (1). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides age-specific sleep duration recommendations to promote optimal health (1). CDC analyzed data from the 2016-2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) to assess the prevalence of short sleep duration among persons in the United States aged 4 months-17 years. Overall, on the basis of parent report, 34.9% of persons aged 4 months-17 years slept less than recommended for their age. The prevalence of short sleep duration was higher in southeastern states and among racial and ethnic minority groups, persons with low socioeconomic status, and those with special health care needs. The prevalence of short sleep duration ranged from 31.2% among adolescents aged 13-17 years to 40.3% among infants aged 4-11 months. Persons aged 4 months-17 years with a regular bedtime were more likely to get enough sleep. Public health practitioners, educators, and clinicians might advise parents on the importance of meeting recommended sleep duration and implementing a consistent bedtime for healthy development.