Teen Sleep Deprivation, Teenage Insomnia, Sleep Deprivation in Teenagers

Sleep deprivation in teens goes beyond heavy eyes and heads on the desks during class. Grades drop, relationships are strained and the ability to handle stress decreases. Emotional and cognitive difficulties arise. Could 9 hours of sleep a night be helpful in resolving these issues?

A common belief persists that as we age we need less sleep from infants to toddlers, children, teens and into adulthood. However studies are now showing that teens often need more sleep than kids and more sleep than adults.

The challenge to get adequate sleep for teens occurs with poor time management, too many choices and overly scheduled in extra circular actives with school, sports, clubs and jobs.

Teenage Sleep Deprivation Dangers

Although some of the factors, such as irritable may be normal to the teenage years, the other dangers are more serious issues. A lack of sleep greatly affects concentration and memorization. The ability to learn and retain information are closely connected to quality sleep and obviously good study habits.

Teen sleep deprivation and puberty go together as the sleeping patterns alter. Adolescents will not fall asleep as early and the body desires to go to sleep later, resulting in the need to sleep in later. As this is due to psychosocial factors with social activities, sports, jobs and technology, there is also a biological factor that plays a role in the sleep pattern adjustment.

The difficulty arises with early waking hours for school. Fortunately some schools are recognizing the studies and have pushed the school start time to later. However enacting later times are not always easy with several other factors including bus schedules and costs.

Remember parents, the next time you teen wants to sleep in on the weekends, this may not be because of laziness but out of necessity and the body needing more sleep.

How to Avoid Teen Sleep Deprivation

Whether you are a concerned adult or a teen reading this information, there is something to be done to help with this issue. It will require discipline and commitment and the key is consistency. One good night sleep or two attempts will not solve the problem. Certain habits need to be instilled and practiced on a regular basis to see improvements.

Overall try to develop somewhat of a downtime routine. An hour or so before bedtime avoid stimulation from TV, video games, internet and even homework. These tasks activate the brain and can make it difficult to settle down for bed. Create a schedule and stick to it. There will be nights that these guidelines will not be followed and that is life. The goal is not to score a perfect 10 but to consider what factors inhibit getting 9 hours of sleep or whatever amount is needed for the individual.

There may not seem to be enough time in the day to get enough sleep. After reflecting on time spent, time wasted, there is always room for improvement to become more efficient and aware of time management.