73% of Teens Not Getting Enough Sleep: AASM Sounds Alarm
Sleep deprivation, a significant issue among teenagers, affects 73% of high school students who do not get the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlights that insufficient sleep can lead to serious consequences, including moodiness, drowsiness while driving, and depression-like symptoms. Parents and schools play crucial roles in addressing this concern.
The AASM recommends that pre-teens need 9 to 12 hours and teens should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, many teens struggle to meet these guidelines due to various barriers. School schedules often require them to wake up earlier than their bodies naturally want, while devices, homework, caffeine, and anxiety further disrupt their sleep. Moreover, teens' natural sleep cycles are changing dramatically during puberty, making it harder for them to get the rest they need.
To tackle this issue, parents can take several steps. They should involve their teens in deciding wake-up times and create a sleep-friendly environment. This includes shutting off devices by 10 PM, limiting caffeine intake, modeling good sleep hygiene, and ensuring efficient homework practices. However, it's important to note that teens should not try to 'catch up' on sleep on Sunday mornings before school, as this can disrupt their weekly sleep schedule.
Sleep deprivation in teens is a pressing concern, with potential impacts on their well-being and safety. By understanding the root causes and implementing practical solutions, parents and schools can work together to help teens get the sleep they need. This can lead to improved mood, better academic performance, and safer driving habits.
