Teens losing sleep aren’t just tired; they’re more likely to fight, carry weapons, and face violence in their neighborhoods.
- Teens who sleep less than 8 hours are more likely to engage in violent or risky behavior
- Those who sleep 4 hours or less face triple the risk of witnessing violence
- Oversleeping beyond 10 hours may also signal underlying mental health issues
The Mass General Brigham study also found a relationship to violent behaviors such as carrying a weapon, emphasizing the vicious circle of sleep deprivation and aggression.
A new study led by Mass General Brigham researchers found a link between poor sleep and teenagers seeing neighborhood violence. Based on nationwide survey data from over 40,000 youths, the study found that people who slept less than the recommended 8-10 hours per night were more likely to engage in aggressive activities such as carrying weapons or fighting. The results are published in SLEEP (1).
Link Between Violence and Lack of Sleep
To uncover associations between violence and sleep, the researchers examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s nationwide Youth Risk Behavior Surveys for 2019, 2021, and 2023. In the study, respondents were asked questions such as how many hours of sleep they received on an ordinary school night, whether they had ever witnessed violence in their neighborhood, and whether they had carried weapons or been in a physical fight in the last 30 days.
Overall, the researchers examined surveys from 44,161 young individuals aged 14 to 19 years old. More, three-quarters of respondents (77%) reported not getting enough sleep on an ordinary school night (defined as less than eight hours for older children and adolescents), with 10% receiving four hours or less.
Individuals who reported not getting enough sleep were more likely to have witnessed someone being physically attacked, beaten, stabbed, or shot in their area, and this relationship grew stronger with each additional hour of sleep lost. Individuals who slept for four hours or less were roughly three times more likely to be exposed to violence.
Lack of Sleep Increases Violent Behavior Among Teens
Inadequate sleep was also substantially associated with an increased risk of violent behaviors such as carrying a weapon, getting into physical confrontations, being threatened or wounded at school, and skipping school due to feeling unsafe. Similarly, each of these correlations was highest among people who reported getting the least amount of sleep (four hours or fewer).
“This study sheds light on how insufficient sleep can contribute to cycles of violence,” said senior author Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., a sleep researcher from Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders. “Future efforts should include advocacy around noise reduction and reducing nighttime violence, which could promote healthier sleep habits in communities that are disproportionately impacted by violence.”
Surprisingly, 1.6% of respondents who reported obtaining more than the recommended amount of sleep – 10 hours or more – were more likely to have witnessed violence and engage in violent activities.
“One possible explanation for this association is that adolescents with longer sleep duration may be experiencing underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders,” according to Robbins. “More sleep isn’t always better.”
The researchers intend to do additional research to better understand how gun violence affects sleep in young people and how poor sleep is associated with violent behavior. They’re also collaborating with communities to encourage healthy sleep and help those affected by gun violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sleep so important for teenagers?
Sleep supports brain development, emotional regulation, and impulse control in teens.
Can poor sleep really increase aggression?
Yes, lack of sleep affects mood and decision-making, making teens more prone to aggression.
How can parents help improve teen sleep habits?
Set consistent bedtimes, reduce screen time, and create a calm, quiet sleep environment.
References:
- The relationship between insufficient sleep, exposure to violence, and violent behaviors in adolescents
(Griggs, C. L., et al. (2025). The relationship between insufficient sleep, exposure to violence, and violent behaviors in adolescents. SLEEP. doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsaf283)
Source-Medindia