As we grow older, the amount of sleep that we require reduces. Whereas newborns are recommended to have between 14 to 17 hours of sleep per night, adults are advised to have at least 7 hours of sleep per night. As teenagers are still growing and going through developmental stages of cognitive maturation, between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per night is recommended.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why teenagers require more sleep than adults. We will also highlight some of the primary benefits of sleep. Even if your child considers themselves to be a night owl, a good sleep schedule is of vital importance to their overall health and development.
Why Do Teens Need to Sleep More Than Adults?
As noted in the introduction, we go through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation during our teenage years. Between 8 and 10 hours of sleep per 24 hours is important to support the development of the brain and physical growth spurts. Sufficient sleep can also help to protect teenagers from depression and drug use.
As a parent, you can help your teenage child to get sufficient sleep by modeling good sleep habits. You can encourage them to adhere to a regular sleep schedule, exercise regularly, and reduce the consumption of coffee in the evening. Reducing the use of electronics before bedtime is also recommended.
Click here to learn more about creating an effective nighttime routine for teenagers.
Signs that a teenager is not getting sufficient sleep include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty waking up in the morning
- Falling asleep during classes
- Acting irritable, depressed, or moody
Teenagers require sleep in order to pay full attention and learn at school and improve their athletic and creative performance. in extra-curricular activities. As lack of sleep can result in poor grades and relationship problems, as well as health problems such as trouble fighting infections.
Health Benefits of Getting Sufficient Sleep
One interesting statistic is that adults with a short sleep duration are 55% more likely to develop obesity. For children and teenagers, this rises to 89%.
Getting a good night’s sleep helps to boost cognition, performance, concentration, and productivity. There is also a lower risk of heart disease and stroke if you regularly get sufficient sleep. Immune function is also improved by getting sufficient sleep which, for example, reduces the chances of catching colds.
The Importance of a Sleep Schedule for Teenagers
The ideal sleep schedule for teenagers is 8 to 10 hours of sleep per 24 hours. The above information highlights the benefits of sleep for teens and useful tips to ensure that your teenager gets better sleep. This will help them in both their academic and social lives and ensure they have more energy for the things they love.
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