Regular bedtimes among children aged 5–17 years: United States, 2020

Abstract

Key findings Data from the National Health Interview Survey - In 2020, 84.4% of children aged 5-17 years had a regular bedtime every day or most days during a typical school week. - Children aged 12-17 years (78.9%) were less likely than children aged 5-11 years (89.6%) to have a regular bedtime every day or most days in a typical school week. - Just over three-quarters of children living in families with a single parent and those with incomes less than 100% of the federal poverty level had a regular bedtime every day or most days in a typical school week. - Children with a regular bedtime every day or most days were about one-half as likely (5.9%) to be tired during the day every day or most days compared with children with a regular bedtime on some days or never (13.0%). The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends 9-12 hours of sleep for children aged 6-12 years and 8-10 hours for those aged 13-18 (1), yet only two-thirds of children meet these recommendations (2). This report uses 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to describe regular bedtimes, defined as going to sleep at the same time most days or every day in a typical school week, among children aged 5-17 years. Estimates are presented by sociodemographic characteristics, family type, Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), family income, and urbanicity of residence. Suggested citation: Ng AE, Adjaye-Gbewonyo D, Black LI. Regular bedtimes among children aged 5–17 years: United States, 2020. NCHS Data Brief, no 437. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2022. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:117489. CS331646 db437.pdf