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Unveiling the Sleep Crisis: Implications for Adolescent Health,
Academic Performance, and Policy Reform

III. Research Methods

The research methodology employed for this study involved a multifaceted approach,
integrating various data collection methods to provide a comprehensive analysis of adolescent sleep
habits in Taiwan.

Firstly, online research was conducted to gather existing literature, academic studies, and
statistical data related to sleep patterns, sleep hygiene, and the impact of sleep on mental health and
academic performance.

Secondly, university professors specializing in fields of sleep were interviewed to gather expert
insights and perspectives on adolescent sleep patterns and the factors influencing them. These
interviews provided valuable qualitative data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the complex
interplay between academic stress, extracurricular activities, employment, and biological factors
affecting adolescents' sleep habits.

Finally, scholarly studies conducted by researchers in the field of sleep science and adolescent
health were utilized to supplement the qualitative and theoretical insights obtained from online
research and expert interviews. These studies provided empirical evidence and statistical analysis
supporting the link between inadequate sleep and negative outcomes such as decreased cognitive
function, impaired academic performance, and heightened risk of mental health issues among
adolescents.

IV. Analysis and Results

1. Global Trend

The contemporary trend of sleeping habits presents a disturbing narrative. The World
Health Organization has pointed to a ‘global epidemic of sleeplessness’ (throughout industrialized
nations) with roughly two-thirds of adults sleeping less than 8 hours a night (Lyon, 2023). More
importantly, in a recent survey conducted among a sample of over 2000 Taiwanese high school
students, more than 90% of junior and senior high school students fall short of the recommended
sleep duration of 8 hours per night. A troubling 37% report obtaining only 5-6 hours of sleep,
with an additional 12.6% admitting to receiving less than 5 hours of sleep each night. A
comparative analysis with data from 2017 demonstrates a noteworthy deterioration in sleep
patterns among this demographic. The percentage of junior high school students obtaining less
than 5 hours of sleep has seen a doubling from 4.5% in 2017 to 9%, while those acquiring 5-6
hours of sleep have increased from 27% in 2017 to 30.1%. The recommendations set forth by the
National Sleep Foundation in the United States further emphasize the gravity of this situation.
According to their guidelines, children aged 6 to 13 should ideally secure 9-11 hours of sleep per
night, while teenagers aged 14 to 17 should aim for 8-10 hours of sleep daily. Unfortunately, the
findings from the survey starkly contrast with these benchmarks, indicating a substantial deficit in
the sleep duration of Taiwanese students.

2. Factors Contributing to Insufficient Sleep in Adolescents

A. Activities, employment, and academic demands

3