Sleep is crucial for physical health, mental well-being, and academic success. This site presents findings from recent research studies conducted with Mexican children and adolescents, including data from the ELEMENT study in Mexico City and additional research from other regions in Mexico.
Sleep Duration
How long we sleep
Sleep Quality
How well we sleep
Health Impact
Effects on wellbeing
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations
Key Finding: Mexican adolescents from Ciudad de México and Estado de México in our studies averaged 8.5-8.6 hours of sleep per night, which meets recommended guidelines. However, there are significant variations by region and school schedule.
Important: Short sleep (less than recommended hours) affects academic performance, mood, and physical health. Girls showed slightly higher rates of adequate sleep in some age groups.
Children (6-11.9 years)
Adolescents (12-17.9 years)
Finding: Adolescents show slightly lower rates of meeting sleep recommendations compared to children, highlighting the importance of sleep education during the transition to adolescence.
Males
Females
Gender Differences: Females show slightly better sleep duration compliance compared to males, with more meeting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Sleep Duration & Timing
Ciudad de México and Estado de México Adolescents
Average: 8.5-8.6 hours per night
Based on multiple ELEMENT studies
School Schedule Impact
Morning shift students sleep 1.77 hours less than afternoon shift
Nuevo León study findings
Health Connections
Diet & Sleep
Higher omega-3 and milk intake linked to better sleep
ELEMENT research findings
Metabolic Health
Sleep patterns affect insulin resistance and obesity risk
Ongoing research
Nuevo León
Elementary: 8.2 hrs
Adolescents: 6.2 hrs
Mexico City
Adolescents: 8.5-8.6 hrs
*Multiple studies
Cuernavaca
Sleep research ongoing
Mexico City
Adolescents: 8.5-8.6 hours average sleep
Average from multiple ELEMENT studies
Nuevo León
Elementary: 8.2 hours average sleep
Adolescents: 6.2 hours (morning shift)
Cuernavaca
Status: Sleep research in progress
Data collection ongoing
Note: Descriptive information about the Nuevo León and Cuernavaca research projects will be added as it becomes available.
For Parents and Families
- Establish consistent bedtime routines
Set the same bedtime and wake time every day, even on weekends
- Limit screen time before bed
Turn off phones, tablets, and TVs at least 1 hour before bedtime
- Create a comfortable sleep environment
Keep the bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Limit noise and light exposure
- Encourage regular physical activity
Help children stay active during the day, but avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime