She says we need to lead by example as adults to help kids have healthy lives outside the classroom as well. "Parents can be good role models. If we work together on achieving healthier lifestyles by eating healthfully and being physically active on a regular basis, hopefully this disturbing trend in poor sleep and risk factors in teens can be reduced."

Dr. Abramson says if teens having serious difficulty with sleep should speak to their doctors to find solutions, which are available. For others she offers these sleeping tips:

Commit to a sound sleep routine. Not getting enough sleep, or poor quality sleep, can make it very difficult to handle everyday stress. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday - even on weekends. Sleep primarily at night. If you nap during the day, keep your naps short.  Save your longest sleep for the night. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. Avoid upsetting conversations, arguments, or anything that causes you distress before bed. Don't eat or drink large amounts before bedtime. Avoid nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol in the evening. Be physically active - regular activity can help with a more restful sleep, however, for some exercising right before bed may make getting to sleep more difficult. Go to bed when you are tired and turn out the lights. Life changes in the teen years cause stress, speak to a parent or doctor about ways to deal with anxiety.

According to Dr. McCrindle, one of the great healthcare deficiencies in Canada is that, although there is a push to recognize guidelines for management of risk factors in adults, there is nothing for our children.

"The bottom line is that sleep disorders seem to be on the increase among children and it is affecting their heart health," he says. "That is very bad news indeed."

This is the latest data from Heart Niagara Inc., a nonprofit corporation which partnered with school boards and public health officials in a grade 9 physical education curriculum enrichment program designed to prevent chronic disease.

Source: HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF CANADA