The Effects of Oversleeping On Teens: Why Your Child May Sleep In Late

Sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Sleep not only resets our body clocks, it also helps us stay energized and alert. And while most teens need about nine hours of sleep every night, many struggle to meet this goal. According to an article on the National Sleep Foundation’s website, approximately one-third of U.S. adolescents get an average of six hours or less sleep per night. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than half of high schoolers report getting an average of seven hours or less sleep every night. So why do so many teens struggle with achieving healthy sleep patterns? The answer may lie in the reasons why your teen may be oversleeping on a regular basis as well as some potential consequences they may face as a result of oversleeping frequently – read on to learn more!

What is the average amount of sleep teens need?

Depending on your child’s age, they should be getting anywhere from nine to 11 hours of sleep each night. However, these numbers are general guidelines, and your teen’s specific needs may vary slightly. Younger teens, who are in the midst of a growth spurt, typically require more sleep than older teens. Your child’s sleep needs can also vary if they have a medical condition, such as insomnia or a sleep disorder.

Why do so many teens struggle with getting enough sleep?

There are various reasons why teens may have trouble achieving healthy sleep patterns, including stress, peer pressure, and extracurricular activities. Teens often have a lot on their plates, whether they’re juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, part-time work, family responsibilities, or even their social lives. As a result, they may become so stressed out that they have trouble falling asleep at night and/or are too tired to stay awake during the day. Teens may also try to fit too many activities into each day, which can lead to sleep deprivation.

Possible Consequences of Oversleeping for Teens

Over the long term, teens who frequently don’t get enough sleep may be at risk for a variety of serious health conditions. Teens who are chronically sleep-deprived are more likely to develop health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, as well as display disruptive or even dangerous behaviors, such as driving drowsy or engaging in impulsive or risky behavior. Furthermore, teens who don’t get enough sleep may struggle academically, as sleep plays a key role in learning and memory. Sleep also impacts your child’s ability to concentrate and stay alert while driving or operating machinery. In some cases, teens who are chronically sleep-deprived may end up developing a mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder.

Tips for Helping Your Child Get Enough Sleep

The first step in helping your teen get enough sleep is to determine the cause of their lack of sleep. Once you’ve figured that out, you can take steps to help your teen get the sleep they need. If your teen is stressed out, encourage them to pursue activities that help them relax, such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness exercises. If your teen stays up late to finish homework or socializes with friends online, try helping them establish a healthy sleep routine. If your teen is participating in extracurricular activities, inquire about ways you can help them manage their time. Keep in mind that sleep is a continuous process, so your child may not fall asleep immediately after attempting to do so. Don’t punish your child for not falling asleep quickly; instead, be patient and let them know you’re there to support them.

Bottom Line

Getting enough sleep is essential for your teen’s health and wellbeing. If your teen doesn’t get enough sleep, they may struggle to stay focused, alert, and awake, which can negatively impact their daily functioning. The first step in helping your teen get enough sleep is to determine the cause of their lack of sleep. Once you’ve figured that out, you can take steps to help your teen get the sleep they need.