Teenagers and sleep

Definition

Starting around puberty, the time at which kids start getting tired moves later. While it might seem like they need less sleep, in fact, teens need about 9 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, most teens do not get the sleep they need.

What Makes it Hard for Teens to Sleep?

Several factors make it hard for teens to get the sleep they need:

Sleep and Teen Health

Like adults, teens who do not get enough sleep are at risk for a number of problems in school and with their health, including:

What Parents can do

Teach your teen ways to get a good night's sleep. Then be a good role model and practice what you preach.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact their health care provider if your teen is not sleeping well and it interferes with their health or ability to do daily activities.

References

de Zambotti M, Goldstone A, Colrain IM, Baker FC. Insomnia disorder in adolescence: diagnosis, impact, and treatment. Sleep Med Rev. 2018;39:12-24. PMID: 28974427 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28974427/.

Harris KR. Adolescent health. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:1285-1288.

Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM. Normal sleep and pediatric sleep disorders. In: Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM, Schuh AM, eds. Nelson Essentials of Pediatrics. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 15.

Pierce B, Brietzke SE. Nonobstructive pediatric sleep disorders. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 185.

Styne DM. Physiology and disorders of puberty. In: Melmed S, Auchus, RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 26.


Review Date: 7/18/2022
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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