Main image via Queensland Health
Many teenagers aren’t getting enough sleep nowadays and a new study suggests that parents can help in curbing this problem.
Lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. When you are sleepy, you are unable to carry out a simple task without risking your life. For instance, driving when you are sleepy will most likely get you into a car accident.
According to research, there are many factors that could cause teenagers to be sleep deprived.
For example, too much homework, too many extracurricular activities, too much caffeine, early school start times and too much screen time.
However, parents can play a vital role in helping their teens get the rest they need.
#1 Greater enforcement of parent-set bedtimes for teenagers
Teenagers from the age 14 to 17 are associated with needing longer sleep durations. Most teens need nine to 10 hours of sleep each night.
#2 Doing a checkup
Each child is different hence going for a quick checkup could help. Pediatricians can educate teenagers on the amount of sleep needed, recommend healthy sleep habits, and screen them for common teen sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders.
#3 No Using Technology Before Bed.
Using technology at night might interfere with your teenager’s sleep time. It also exposes them to a type of light that suppresses the body’s production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, making it tougher to fall asleep.
Main info via WebMD