Teens With Happy Families Sleep Better, Study Finds

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA team

Seated and happy looking African parents in casual wear posing outdoors with son. Image credit: Freepik

Sleep is one of the most important parts of a child’s daily routine, especially during the teenage years but, for many African parents, getting their teens to sleep well can be a struggle. We often blame it on school stress, phones or even laziness but there may be more to it.

A recent study has shown that a young person's relationship with family, friends and their social environment plays a powerful role in how well they sleep. The study focused on American children but the lessons it holds are deeply relevant to African homes too.

About the Study

The study was conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when many children around the world were stuck at home, separated from friends and forced to adapt to new routines. The researchers used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is the largest long-term study of brain development in children in the United States.

Nearly 5,000 children aged 9 to 11 were observed in two waves, first in May 2020 and later in August 2020. The aim was to understand how different aspects of social life affected how long the children slept during this stressful period. The researchers grouped the children into five categories based on their social habits and looked at things like how often children ate dinner with their families, whether there was family conflict, how strong their friendships were, how involved they were in community activities and how much time they spent chatting with friends online.

What the Study Found

Children who had close ties with their families and engaged in offline social activities tended to sleep better and had the highest rates of adequate sleep (up to 51%). Meanwhile, those who mainly relied on digital connections or had weak relationships with friends and family were more likely to sleep poorly and had the lowest sleep rates (around 40%).

One major takeaway was the value of eating dinner together as a family. Kids who regularly shared meals with their parents or siblings were more likely to get enough sleep at both points in the study. Neighbourhood activities, like playing outside or participating in community events, also helped boost sleep quality.

On the contrary, when children reported family conflict, tension at home or a lack of meaningful connection with family members, their sleep suffered. Although they could have lots of online communication through phones or video calls, it still did not make up for the lack of real-world connection. In fact, too much screen-based socialising was linked to shorter sleep times.

What the Study Means for Africans

While this study was based in the U.S, the message hits close to home for African families. In many African cultures, the extended family system and communal lifestyle are seen as strengths. But as modern life continues to change how we live, especially in urban areas, those deep family bonds are slowly fading.

With the rise of smartphones and social media, many African teenagers are spending less time talking with their parents and more time online. At the same time, busy work schedules and economic pressures have made it harder for families to sit down and eat together or even talk at the end of the day.

This study helps to remind us that sleep is not just about bedtime routines or mattress quality. Moreover, emotional connection and a peaceful home environment matter just as much, if not more. A child who feels loved, heard and supported during the day is more likely to rest well at night.

We also need to rethink how we use technology. While it has helped us stay connected, especially during lockdowns, it cannot replace face-to-face interaction. In fact, too much reliance on technology for social needs might be doing more harm than good when it comes to children’s wellbeing.

Parents, guardians and caregivers can help their children sleep better by being more present in their lives. Simple actions like asking how their day went, sitting together for meals or involving them in household discussions can go a long way. Reducing arguments and creating a calm atmosphere at home also matters.

It’s also worth encouraging children to participate in real-world social activities. Whether it’s joining a football club, engaging in religious youth events or simply playing outside with friends, these experiences promote emotional wellbeing and contribute to better sleep.

Wrap Up

This research highlights something we often overlook, that sleep is not just a physical need, it’s deeply connected to our emotional and social lives. For African families navigating the pressures of modern life, the key to better sleep for our children may lie not just in earlier bedtimes but in stronger family bonds and deeper emotional connections. A peaceful home, shared meals and real conversations might just be the best “sleep medicine” your teenager needs.

Source: Gombert M, Kiss O, Oehring EM, Shao L, Tapert S, Sowell E, et al. 0331 Social Connectedness as Predictor of Sleep in Adolescents: Prospective Analysis of ABCD Data in Covid-19 Pandemic, Sleep, Volume 48, Issue Supplement_1, May 2025, Page A144. doi: 10.1093/sleep/zsaf090.0331. Available from here

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Published: July 18, 2025

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