Young Adults Injured in Bunk Bed Accidents

June 2008

An unexpected trend is arising in bedrooms across the nation. According to a study conducted by the Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, more young adults are being injured in bunk bed accidents.

A news release reported that although three-fourths of bunk bed injuries occur in children under 10, there has been a spike for those who are 18 to 21 years old. The study spanned 16 years and found that there were about 36,000 injuries a year, mostly from falls that caused bruises, cuts, and fractures. Researchers found that 18- to 21-year-olds experienced twice as many injuries as those in the 14- to 17-year-old age group.

Researchers hypothesized that this discrepancy could be because an increasing number of young adults reside in college dormitories and in military barracks. The authors of the study said that bunk bed related injuries can be severe and can require hospital admission. In order to prevent injuries, the authors suggest keeping children under six off of the top bunk, using guardrails, utilizing night lights, and discouraging playing on bunk beds.