Sleep is a natural part of life, but it can be difficult to achieve for some teens. Teens have many pressures and challenges to cope with in school, home and with friends. They need a lot of sleep in this stage of their lives to stay healthy, and to feel their best.
Getting good sleep is important for teens, and parents play a significant role in this process. If you're concerned that your teen is not getting enough sleep, consider talking to them about it and offering some support.
The first step is to figure out the reason why they aren't sleeping well. Some of the most common reasons include a change in school, new social situations and changes in their home environment.
Stress and worries about the future, such as a change in their grades or the prospect of college, can make it difficult for them to fall asleep. They may also be having trouble focusing on their work.
A teen's brain has to grow and develop quickly, which means that their sleep needs are changing. The body's internal clock is also shifting. It takes longer to get tired in the evening, and it doesn't produce melatonin as quickly as it does during adulthood.
If a teen has been experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep for more than a couple of weeks, it's time to talk to a doctor about it. They may need a sleep study, which tests the teen's brainwaves to determine what is causing their sleep problems.
Insomnia, restless legs syndrome and other sleep disorders can affect some teens, making it difficult to get or stay asleep. Symptoms of these conditions include feeling irritable, tired and having trouble paying attention during the day.
Other factors, such as a new job, a family move, or an illness can disrupt a teen's sleep. These can be hard for a parent to identify and deal with, but they are important to look for when trying to solve your teen's sleep problems.
The key is to help your teen see that sleep isn't a waste of time, but a critical function of their body and mind. If they understand this, they will be more likely to develop good sleep habits.
Establish a consistent bedtime and sleep routine. Your teen should be in their bed by a certain time each night and should avoid activities that will keep them awake, such as watching TV or playing video games. They should try to have a quiet, relaxing, dark room at the end of their day so they can fall asleep quickly.
A teen with a difficult time sleeping when a teen is more likely to engage in risky behaviors. They are more prone to texting or using their cell phone while driving, drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and doing other things that could be dangerous.
They are also more prone to having moody and cranky behavior, and are less able to regulate their emotions. They are also more impulsive and easily angry, and they have a harder time controlling their anger when they're sleepy.