Like eating and drinking healthy, adequate sleep is also essential and acts as a foundation for our overall well-being. However, as adults, we are quite familiar with sleep deprivation. A vital deadline here and an early meeting there, and our sleep cycle takes a toss. Even as adults, not getting enough sleep is unhealthy, but it is even worse for teenagers. Even though they are lazing about in their affordable full-size mattress all the time, they aren’t getting enough sleep.
According to CDC or Centers for Disease Control, it was reported that almost 70 percent of high school students in America are found to be sleep-deprived and sleep for less than 7 hours, where they require 8-10 hours of peaceful rest.
What Causes Sleep Deprivation In Teenagers?
According to the CDC, some of the most common causes include;
Consuming too many sodas every day
Lack of exercise
Spending a lot of time in front of the computer or on the phone
Getting into physical violence
Smoking marijuana or cigarettes
Consuming alcohol
Dealing with mental health issues, such as depression
Frequent changes in the schedule
Facing too much pressure in school or at home, such as pressure to perform well in school
Part-time jobs
Too much homework
Common Signs Of Sleep Deprivation In Teenagers
Falling Asleep In School
It can be an obvious sign of sleep deprivation if you have been getting frequent complaints that your kid ends up sleeping in the classroom.
Too Moody
Teenagers are already moody creatures. Maybe, that’s because of their age, stuck in the middle where there are not yet adults but not kids. However, if your kid has been exceptionally moody, it might be because of sleep loss. They behave cranky, moody, and irritable.
Productivity Goes Down
Chronic sleep deprivation can adversely affect our kids’ ability to concentrate; their academic performance might decrease and lead to poor decision-making. If this continues, it might so happen that your child might lose interest in the activities that once excited them and might even stop going to school.
They Are Gaining Weight
Sleep deprivation can cause obesity because they cannot muster any courage to exercise since lack of sleep makes them tired, and they consume more calories than they need.
It Shows On The Skin
Even teenagers can suffer from dark circles and puffy eyes due to lack of sleep. That’s one of the first tell-tale signs. Acne is also one of the side effects of sleep loss because the immune system becomes weak and can make one more open to acne-causing bacteria.
Some other side effects include;
Driving accidents because of sleep
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Unable to make decisions or poor decision making
Risk-taking behavior
Clumsiness
Slow reflexes
Weakened immune system
How To Deal With Sleep Deprivation In Teenagers?
Quality Mattress
This might seem pretty obvious, but having a quality mattress can really help your kid sleep better. Today, you will find plenty of affordable full-size mattresses. So, if you think the one in your kids’ room has gone lumpy and old, perhaps it is time to switch. Right from futons to king-size mattresses, there are plenty of options. Now, are you wondering how big a king size mattress is? It can be anywhere between 76 to 80 inches. If you think it is too big, you can choose a queen-size mattress. It is not as big as the king but is roomy for your growing kid.
Ban Electronics From Bedroom
Today, we live in a tech-savvy world, and no matter what, you cannot keep your kid entirely away from electronics. But you can at least devise a rule to ban electronics in their bedroom or before bedtime. This method will help curb their attention and ensure they are ready for a good night’s sleep.
Discourage Naps In The Noon
Currently, because of the pandemic, schools have also shifted online, which means your kid has a lot of time in hand, but nothing much to do. This can lead to an afternoon napping session, messing up their sleep cycle. So, make sure you discourage that. And, if you think your kid is too bored, come up with fun activities you can do together at home.
Say No To Caffeine
Maybe an assignment was due, or your teen wanted to enhance productivity, and they relished a cup of hot coffee. But, too much caffeine can interfere with sleep and disrupt the cycle. Therefore, limit the consumption of caffeine.
Finally, if nothing else works, it is time to consult a healthcare practitioner because there might be an underlying problem causing sleep loss, such as sleepwalking, narcolepsy, frequent nightmares, sleep apnea, and more. So, if your teen continues to have sleep problems, now you know what to do and the signs to look for in sleep deprivation in teenagers.