How To Evaluate Your Teen’s Sleep Schedule
Teens require anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. This is the ideal length of sleep to ensure that teens are well rested for school, sports, and work.
Parents should get in the habit of monitoring their teen’s sleep schedule for irregularities and inconsistencies that can cause unnecessary daytime fatigue or may be the sign of a more serious health condition.
Sleep Warnings Signs
The amount of sleep your teen gets at night can shape the way they act and feel during the day. Dr. Humpal recommends that parents familiarize themselves with the most common warning signs that your teen may not be getting enough sleep:
- Trouble waking up in the morning
- Irritability in the early afternoon
- Extra sleepy during the day
- Drop in performance in sports
- Below average grades in school
- Oversleeping on the weekends
There are also a number of legitimate medical conditions that can negatively affect the way teens sleep at night, including:
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- ADHD
- Depression
- Medication Side Effects
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Circadian Rhythm Disorders
- Anxiety or Emotional Distress
Prioritize Sleep Length & Quality
Dr. Humpal reminds parents that their teens may have not developed sufficient time management skills to work enough time for sleep into their daily schedules.
“Help your teen avoid activities such as gaming, heavy studying or screen time late in the evening. Talk with your teen’s health care provider to confront sleep related medical problems or other external factors that may be influencing they ability to sleep.”
Parents can help their teens assess the activities that are competing for their time and manage or eliminate them completely.
