Sleep duration and compliance with sleep recommendations among Brazilian children and adolescents: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
Gabriel Pereira Maciel, Ricardo de Camargo, Maria Beatriz Vieira de Brito et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This updated systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis pooled observational evidence on sleep duration and adherence to sleep recommendations among Brazilian children and adolescents aged 0–18 years. Across 84 studies involving 177,074 participants, adequate sleep was estimated in 45% (95% CI, 29-62%) of preschoolers, 65% (95% CI, 55-74%) of school-age children, and 47% (95% CI, 40-55%) of adolescents. Mean sleep duration declined with age, from 10.50 h (95%CI, 9.85-11.20) in preschoolers to 7.77 h (95%CI, 7.42-8.12) in adolescents. Estimates varied by measurement method and guideline.
Key findings
- Adequate sleep duration was estimated in 45% (95% CI, 29-62%) of preschoolers, 65% (95% CI, 55-74%) of school-age children, and 47% (95% CI, 40-55%) of adolescents.
- Mean sleep duration decreased with age, from 10.50 h (95%CI, 9.85-11.20) in preschoolers to 7.77 h (95%CI, 7.42-8.12) in adolescents.
- Questionnaire-based measures produced higher estimates than accelerometry, and prevalence differed according to the sleep guideline used.
- Heterogeneity was substantial across analyses (I² > 98%).
Why it matters
The pooled estimates indicate that many Brazilian children and adolescents may not meet recommended sleep durations, a concern the authors link to health and development. Differences by measurement method and guideline complicate comparisons between studies and interpretation of prevalence. More consistent assessment and reporting could improve epidemiological surveillance and inform public health planning.
What to keep in mind
Substantial between-study heterogeneity (I² > 98%) limits confidence in the pooled estimates; results also varied by measurement method and sleep guideline.