Why Do Teens Need Enough Sleep?
Teenagers need approximately 9.5 hours of sleep each night, which surprises many parents. Even though teens may look like young adults, their brains are still developing and have a lot of growing left to do. This is one of the biggest reasons why teens need enough sleep. Unfortunately, most teenagers get closer to 6 hours of sleep on school nights. They are juggling homework, sports, extracurricular activities, and social media. There is so much pressure to succeed academically, athletically, socially, and still be a responsible kid at home. As a result, sleep is often the first thing they sacrifice. However, that’s a mistake. Sleep plays a major role in a teenager’s emotional health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
10 Reasons Why Teens Need Enough Sleep
1. It helps them concentrate in school.
2. It keeps their moods more even.
3. Sleep helps keep the immune system strong.
4. They have more energy.
5. It reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
6. Teens who are sleep-deprived eat more junk food.
7. Well-rested teens tend to have better judgement.
8. Getting enough sleep can help improve your teen’s memory.
9. Teens who get enough sleep are more social.
10. Teens who sleep enough are more respectful.
Making Sleep a Family Priority
The health benefits of sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep is essential for both their physical and emotional well-being. As a parent, you probably spend a lot of time encouraging your teenager to complete homework, practice good hygiene, and stay on top of chores. Sleep should be an even higher priority than all of those things. As a therapist who works with adolescents, one of the first things I assess during an initial counseling session is how much sleep a teenager is getting. Simply getting enough sleep can significantly improve their mood, stress level, focus, and overall mental health.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT