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Consumer Health: Is your teen getting enough sleep?
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Sleep provides the foundation for all daily habits and decisions. Getting enough quality rest each night is essential for optimal health.
The amount of sleep people need depends in part on age. For teens 14–17, around eight to 10 hours per night is recommended. But few teens get that much sleep regularly, thanks to early classes, homework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, social demands and screen time.
Regularly not getting enough sleep can have health consequences. Tired teens can find it difficult to concentrate and learn. Too little sleep can contribute to behavioral problems, moodiness and irritability. A sleep deficit also increases the risk of accidents, injuries, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression. It's also linked with an increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
If your teen isn't getting enough sleep, there are a few things you can try that might help. Learn more about helping your teen get the sleep he or she needs.
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