Teens have so much pressure between family, friends, school and work. It can affect their mood, grades and work habits. Is your teen getting enough sleep? Why does it even matter? Texas Children’s Hospital has tips that you don’t want to miss.

Why is sleep important?

Important brain and body function occur during sleep that create new pathways for learning and memory. Insufficient amount of sleep can alter activity in some parts of the brain that may interfere with your teen’s ability to make decisions, maintain alertness, solve problems, control emotions and behavior, as well as cope with changes.

Sleep deprived teens have increased absenteeism and tardiness, a decreased ability to learn and retain material, diminished ability to actively participate in the classroom and perform decision-making tasks.

Teens with inadequate sleep has been associated with mental health disorders and safety deficits. They have less interest in participating in physical activities or sports. In addition, they are more likely to be depressed, anxious, irritable, defiant and impulsive than teens who achieve optimal sleep durations.

Sleep loss can also contribute to negative effects on the renal, cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, digestive and endocrine systems. For example, sleep loss can contribute to insulin resistance and the development of metabolic abnormalities, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Appropriate sleep duration for teens

The National Sleep Foundation currently recommends teens between 14 and 17 years of age obtain 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. However, recent studies show teens actually obtain about 7 hours of sleep per night.

Factors that contribute to sleep deprivation in teens

During puberty, teens experience changes in their biological clock or circadian rhythm and most will begin to experience a sleep-wake “phase delay,” (later sleep onset time and later wake up time). Two biological factors which contribute to this “phase delay” are thought to occur during puberty. First, the delayed timing of nocturnal melatonin (a natural brain hormone that promotes sleepiness) secretion meaning teens have a biological tendency to fall asleep later in the evening and wake up later in the morning. Secondly, sleep drive is altered in teens. Even teenagers who experience sleep deprivation tend to feel more alert in the evening making it difficult to go to bed at a reasonable hour.

Erratic sleep schedules can also contribute to sleep loss in teens. Compensating for lack of sleep during school nights may seem like a good idea, but it can make sleep schedules worse. If a teen sleeps until noon on a Sunday morning, they may be too alert to fall asleep at their usual bedtime Sunday night.

Caffeine consumption during the day may also contributes to sleep deprivation.

Tips to help your teen get a good night’s sleep

  • Establish a regular sleep-wake schedule that allows for an appropriate amount of sleep
  • Go to bed at the same time each night and rise with the morning bright light
  • Avoid caffeine four to six hours before bed and minimize daytime use
  • Avoid heavy meals before bedtime
  • Practice regular exercise
  • Minimize lights and noise
  • Avoid excessive hot or cold temperatures during sleep

Originally posted here by Dr. Marlene Typaldos, a pulmonary medicine physician at Texas Children’s Hospital.