Sleep is important to maintain a healthy, productive life. It is no surprise that many people, teenagers in particular, do not get enough sleep every night. With schoolwork, extracurricular activities and jobs, many teenagers are too busy to get the proper amount of sleep each night needed to lead a healthy life. Teenagers need more sleep then the average adult. In fact, teenagers need at least 8.5 hours of sleep each night, and that can be hard to accomplish.
According to a recent article in US news and world report, teenagers who don’t get sufficient sleep are more likely to lead riskier lives. Teenagers who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, smoke, be depressed and get less physical activity then Teens who do get enough sleep. It is hard to tell which came first, if the teens aren’t getting enough sleep because they are engaging in risky behavior, or if they are engaging in risky behavior because they aren’t getting enough sleep, but regardless of what comes first, it is shown that tired teenagers are the ones more often engaging in risky behavior.
Teenagers who do get enough sleep are shown to excel in school, not get sick as often and are safer drivers. It is important to make sure your teenager is getting enough sleep so that they can succeed. There are several things you can do to help your teen get on a good sleep schedule. Parents who are aware of their teenagers schedule and lives are more likely to help their teens develop healthy sleep habits for life. It is good to keep on the same schedule as much as possible, going to bed around the same time in the evenings and waking up at the same time in the mornings. It can be helpful to wind down in the hour before you go to bed by reading, or listening to music or taking a warm bath. TV and computer use is too stimulating and should not be done in the hour leading to bedtime. Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon is another helpful rule of thumb. Being involved in your teenagers lives and making sure they are getting the proper nutrition and sleep is the best way to ensure that your teenager will lead a healthy and successful life.