Short Wave

Teen sleep is getting wrecked by more than just phones

March 6, 2026

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  • A recent study spanning 2007 to 2023 found that over three-quarters of U.S. high school students are getting insufficient sleep (less than seven hours a night), a trend observed across most demographics. 
  • Pediatricians warn that insufficient teen sleep is linked to serious negative outcomes, including increased depression, car accidents, poor academic performance, and difficulty maintaining relationships. 
  • Researchers suggest broad, structural interventions, such as later school start times, may be necessary to address the widespread issue of insufficient teen sleep highlighted in the *Short Wave* episode "Teen sleep is getting wrecked by more than just phones." 

Segments

Introduction and Teen Sleep Crisis
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(00:00:18)
  • Key Takeaway: Insufficient sleep among high schoolers has risen from 69% to 77% between 2007 and 2023.
  • Summary: Hosts Regina Barber and Katie Ariddle introduce guest Scott Detro for the science news roundup, which includes the topic of rising insufficient sleep among teens. Researchers analyzed data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, finding that over three-quarters of high schoolers now sleep less than seven hours nightly. These poor sleep habits were consistent across various demographics including race, gender, and grade level.
Health Impacts of Sleep Deprivation
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(00:03:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Pediatricians link insufficient teen sleep to increased depression, car accidents, poor school performance, and relationship issues.
  • Summary: Pediatrician Dr. Cora Colette Bruner detailed the firsthand effects of sleep deprivation observed in her practice. Lack of sleep correlates with teens being more depressed and experiencing worse life outcomes, such as failing to maintain relationships or achieve happy, productive lives. Study authors suggest broad, structural interventions, like later school start times, might help improve sleep across the student population.
Cascadia Fault Earthquake Study
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(00:04:28)
  • Key Takeaway: New seismic sensor data suggests the northern Cascadia Fault may be more tightly locked and storing more stress than the central section.
  • Summary: Researchers at the University of Washington studied the Cascadia subduction zone using decade-long data from deep-sea seismic sensors. This provided a nuanced picture showing regional differences in plate mechanics along the fault line. The northern segment appears more locked, storing more stress, while the central section shows more fluid movement, potentially altering previous earthquake unfolding models.
Prehistoric Hunter-Gatherer Diets
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(00:06:41)
  • Key Takeaway: Analysis of ancient pottery residue revealed a prehistoric stew combining fish and gelder roseberries from 4,000 to 8,000 years ago.
  • Summary: Scientists analyzed food remains caked inside ancient pots from Northern Europe to understand hunter-gatherer diets, which are less documented than agricultural societies. One notable discovery was a stew made of fish mixed with gelder roseberries, a plant whose flavor profile changes significantly when cooked. Archaeologists suggest these studies remind us that many edible plants used historically have fallen out of modern culinary traditions.