Teen sleep study shows link to risky behaviors

(WFLA/CNN) – Teens who get less sleep are more likely to engage in risky and suicidal behavior, according to a new study.

Researchers used data from the youth risk behavior survey from 2007 to 2015, which explored behaviors related to health risks in American youth.

They found teens who slept for less than six hours per night were three times more likely to consider suicide, plan a suicide or attempt suicide, compared to teens who slept eight hours or more.

Researchers say 70 percent of high school students get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep.

Other unsafe behaviors tied to less sleep including drunk driving, potentially unsafe sexual activity, aggressive behavior and use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.

The study was published Monday in Journal Jama Pediatrics.