The American Medical Association (AMA) recently adopted an AASM-sponsored Resolution 503, “Insufficient Sleep in Adolescents,” which states:

“RESOLVED, That our American Medical Association identify adolescent insufficient sleep and sleepiness as a public health issue; and

RESOLVED, That our AMA support education about sleep health as a standard component of care for adolescent patients.”

Testimony supported the notion that a significant percentage of the adolescent population suffers from some degree of sleep deprivation, and that sleep deprivation is associated with a number of health problems, such as depression and obesity.