Sleep-deprived teenagers may find it difficult to pay attention in school.
Teenagers need approximately eight and half to nine hours of sleep each night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. However, not every teenager gets the recommended amount of sleep. In fact, based on the Sleep Foundation's poll in 2009, only 20 percent of teens were getting enough sleep. Teenagers may stay up until the middle of the night playing video games or watching television, and then go to school the next morning. Not getting the proper amount of sleep can have many negative effects on teenagers.
Function
Teenagers need the proper amount of sleep to remain healthy. When they sleep, they allow their brains to develop. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that "sleep is necessary for survival." Sleep allows the nervous system to relax and the neurons to close down for repairs, and gives the teenage body the chance to release growth hormones.
Causes
Teenagers may be sleep deprived for many reasons. According to Kids Health.org, a teenager's biological clock tells him that he should stay up late at night, and wake up later in the morning. In addition, teenagers with four or more electronic devices in their rooms tend to get less sleep than their peers who have only one or none. When teenagers have to wake up early for school, they may have trouble going to sleep early. Other reasons for sleep deprivation include stress, sleep apnea, nightmares and narcolepsy.
Effects
Teenagers who do not get enough sleep face consequences. Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, which can make a teenager more susceptible to colds, infections and other illnesses. Lack of adequate sleep can also cause irritability, anxiety and concentration problems. Because they are sleep deprived, they may have a difficult time paying attention in school, and receive bad grades.
Solutions
Because sleep deprivation can take a toll on a teenager's health, it is important to find solutions. One way for teens to improve improve their sleep is to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. While teenagers may like staying up late on the weekends and waking up at noon the next day, it can disrupt their sleep schedules. Other ways for teens to improve sleep is to avoid caffeine and do 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity every day -- at least a few hours before bedtime. In addition, according to CBS News, eliminate or reduce the amount of electronic devices in your teen's room, and keep their room at a comfortable temperature. If sleeping problems persist, consult your teenager's doctor.
Tags: amount sleep, attention school, each night, electronic devices, enough sleep, night wake, proper amount