Teens (13–18 years)

Serious Sleep

An abundance of activities, social events, homework and the everyday stresses of being a teen, all contribute to not getting enough sleep. Research has shown that more than 20% of high school students fall asleep in class. Lost sleep affects your teen’s ability to concentrate and even slows reaction time. This can be life threatening when behind the wheel. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration estimates 1,500 people are killed every year in crashes caused by drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 who are simply tired. The best thing you can do is get your teen to follow a consistent sleep schedule. The magnitude of the many teen stresses can be lessened with a good night’s sleep.

Can’t Argue Biology

Having trouble getting your teen out of bed in the morning? You’re not alone, and it may be attributed to your teen’s biology. Naturally we experience different levels of sleepiness throughout the day. Our need to sleep is controlled by two body systems called sleep/ wake homeostasis and the circadian biological clock. Sleep/wake homeostasis creates a drive to balance sleep and wakefulness. Our circadian biological clock regulates the timing of our sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day. Circadian rhythm dips result in being sleepier, but this sleepiness will be less intense if we have had sufficient sleep.

Sources: www.theparentreport.com www.kidshealth.org www.sleepfoundation.org www.babycenter.com

Teens experience a shift in the circadian rhythm. This causes them to naturally feel awake later at night and makes falling asleep before 11pm difficult. Teens experience the strongest circadian rhythm dips between 3–7am and 2–5pm, but throw in not getting enough sleep to begin with, and the morning dip can last until 10am. So, biology can be a factor in your teen not being a morning person! OTMOM

story by | Jodie Harvala