Teenage Sleep Patterns
Overview
Teens' biological clocks change during puberty. Adolescents and teens tend to fall asleep later at night and to sleep later in the morning than younger children do. This pattern can cause problems, because school schedules often require that teens get up early for classes. Some teens may become sleep deprived. They may:
- Have trouble getting up in the morning.
- Fall asleep during the day.
- Feel tired and grumpy during the day.
Teenagers need about 8 to10 hours of sleep each night.footnote 1
Tips to help your teen
If your teen is showing signs of not getting enough sleep, you can try these tips.
- Talk about how your teen's body is changing.
Explain the need for more sleep.
- Help your teen set a good sleeping pattern.
- Encourage your teen to finish homework on weekends or during the day.
- Encourage your teen to sleep in on the weekends.
- Suggest after-school naps.
- Help your teen have a quiet bedroom.
Remind your teen to turn off the TV, computer, cell phone, and other screens.
References
Citations
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Paruthi S, et al. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: A consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(6): 785–786. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.5866. Accessed August 16, 2021.
Credits
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Paruthi S, et al. (2016). Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: A consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12(6): 785–786. DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.5866. Accessed August 16, 2021.