Sleep is a vital part of your teen’s life, but it can be hard for teens to get the sleep they need. It’s also important for their mental health and to help them perform at school.
Getting enough sleep is essential for all human beings, but it’s especially important for adolescents because they are going through a critical stage in their physical and intellectual development. Ideally, they need 9 to 10 hours of sleep every night. But even teenagers who have been getting the recommended amount of sleep still often feel drowsy or lack energy during the day.
Adolescents have more trouble sleeping when a teen than older people, and this is due to a number of factors. First, they are going through rapid body changes that can disrupt their natural sleep-wake cycle. This is called phase delay, and it can cause them to go to bed late and wake up later.
If your teen is having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, try to encourage them to make the necessary changes in their life to ensure they have a good night’s rest. For example, they may need to change their sleep schedule, set a time limit for screen use and devices, reduce the intensity of homework and participate in exercise at a different times of the day.
They also may need to cut back on social activities such as hanging out with friends too close to bedtime. This can be difficult, as most teenagers are social butterflies at heart and love their friends, but it’s essential to ensure your teen gets enough time to themselves.
2. They have too many responsibilities and commitments
Adolescents often have more social, academic and extracurricular commitments than they did when they were younger, which can lead to sleep deprivation. This is often referred to as “social jetlag” and can be a real problem for your teen.
3. They are not getting enough sleep because of problems with their health and/or medications
Your teen may have an illness or other health condition that is making it difficult for them to get the proper amount of sleep. These could be things like asthma, headaches, high blood pressure or depression. If your teen is struggling with any of these symptoms, they need to see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
4. They have other issues that are causing them to have trouble sleeping
Stress, anxiety, worry and other problems can keep your teen up at night and prevent them from getting the rest they need. These problems can include worries about upcoming exams or other issues that have recently occurred in their life. If your teen is constantly feeling overwhelmed or anxious, they should consider seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist for help.
5. They have sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia or restless legs syndrome
If your teen is having difficulty sleeping because of a serious medical issue, it’s essential to see their doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. These issues can be serious, and they can have long-term effects on their health and quality of life.