Today’s teenagers are sleeping less than ever before
Health
May 15, 2026

Today’s teenagers are sleeping less than ever before

144 words · ~1 min read
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B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:55

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A new study in the journal Pediatrics shows that American teenagers are sleeping less than before. Only 22% of people aged 15 to 18 years now get at least seven hours of sleep each night. This is the lowest level since researchers began measuring it, and health experts say it is becoming a serious problem for young people.

The study found that more time spent on screens and social media is mainly responsible for this sleep shortage. Many teenagers stay awake late at night using digital devices to communicate with friends, and they are not getting enough rest.

Doctors warn that not sleeping enough can cause both physical and mental health problems. It can make students feel tired, weak, and anxious, and can hurt their school performance. Some experts want parents and schools to help teenagers manage screen time, especially before going to bed.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
studyN/ˈstʌdi/

A detailed investigation or research into something.

responsibleN/rɪˈspɒnsəbl/

Being the cause or reason for something.

levelN/ˈlɛvl/

A particular amount or degree of something.

expertsN/ˈekspɜːts/

People with a lot of knowledge or skill.

manageN/ˈmænɪdʒ/

To control or organise something effectively.

performanceN/pəˈfɔːməns/

How well someone does a particular activity.

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What does the new study show about American teenagers?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions

Today’s teenagers are sleeping less than ever before

May 15, 2026~1 min read
Not sure? Take the level test →
B1 Pre-Intermediate
0:000:55

Follow spoken words in real time.

A new study in the journal Pediatrics shows that American teenagers are sleeping less than before. Only 22% of people aged 15 to 18 years now get at least seven hours of sleep each night. This is the lowest level since researchers began measuring it, and health experts say it is becoming a serious problem for young people.

The study found that more time spent on screens and social media is mainly responsible for this sleep shortage. Many teenagers stay awake late at night using digital devices to communicate with friends, and they are not getting enough rest.

Doctors warn that not sleeping enough can cause both physical and mental health problems. It can make students feel tired, weak, and anxious, and can hurt their school performance. Some experts want parents and schools to help teenagers manage screen time, especially before going to bed.

Vocabulary

6 words
Accent
studyN/ˈstʌdi/

A detailed investigation or research into something.

responsibleN/rɪˈspɒnsəbl/

Being the cause or reason for something.

levelN/ˈlɛvl/

A particular amount or degree of something.

expertsN/ˈekspɜːts/

People with a lot of knowledge or skill.

manageN/ˈmænɪdʒ/

To control or organise something effectively.

performanceN/pəˈfɔːməns/

How well someone does a particular activity.

Ready to learn these 6 words?

About 8 minutes · 5 activities

Reading Quizzes

9 questions
Question 1 of 9
1 / 9

What does the new study show about American teenagers?

Choose an answer to continue

Great for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, IB, A-Level and everyday English speaking practice.

Speaking Tasks

5 questions