Teens and Sleep

[0:07]If you're feeling tired, you're not alone. I think all of us, especially in the US, are chronically sleep deprived. That's especially true when it comes to teenagers. A CDC study says nearly six out of 10 middle schools and seven out of 10 high schools don't get enough sleep on school nights. Those who are sleep deprived have a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health and problems with attention and behavior. Lee health resident physician, Dr. Audrey Anne Wagner says, teens have a temporary known adjustment in their circadian rhythm. It is not uncommon for teenagers to want to stay up later at night and sleep later in the day. That is a phenomenon of their brain development at that age. However, a consistent sleep cycle is best for everyone. They still benefit from going to bed at the same time and waking up at the same time, which does mean that they might have to get up earlier on the weekends to really see the benefit of that regular sleep cycle. It's important they avoid screens for at least one hour before bed. The blue light on our phone is actually activating to our brains. Parents can also help by teaching them ways to develop a wind down routine. Reading books, a stretching exercises, mindfulness, there's several deep breathing, um meditation practices. Teens should get about 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. For Lee Health, I'm Devon Turk.