Why our teens sleep so much

When you think about it, teenagers are a lot like pandas. Like the black and white bears, teens often have a tendency to lounge around for hours, munch their way through massive amounts of grub, and snooze for extremely long stretches.

But how can you tell if your child’s sleeping habits are typical for a teen – or a cause for concern? How much do teens need?

“Sleep research suggests that a teenager needs between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night, so slightly more than an adult or younger child requires,” says Dr Hana Patel, sleep expert at Time4Sleep.

“This is because teenagers need additional sleep to support their rapid physical, intellectual, and emotional development.”

Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and MD of Woolroom explains: “They are going through a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation. Additional sleep supports their developing brain, as well as physical growth spurts.”

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY DON’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP?

“Teenagers not getting enough sleep can lead to all sorts of potential issues,” says Tattersall.

Psychological symptoms, he warns, may include: “Depression, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, anxiety and low self-esteem.”

IS IT POSSIBLE TO SLEEP TOO MUCH?

It may seem counter-intuitive, but sleeping too much can actually make young people more tired.

“Anything over eight to 10 hours of sleep for teens could be considered excessive and may cause daytime sleepiness,” says Patel. It’s important for parents to watch for signs that teens are struggling with sleep.

“Look out for concentration difficulties, shortened attention span, memory impairment, and lack of enthusiasm or energy,” Tattersall says.

“You also might notice moodiness and aggression, poor decision-making, and signs of depression.”

Patel adds: “Sometimes teens may also complain of symptoms like headaches and migraines.”

Try to encourage good “sleep hygiene” in terms of a youngster’s evening routine, meaning avoiding large meals and caffeine before bed and creating a relaxing bedroom environment.

“If possible, reduce the use of devices like smartphones and tablets, TVs or computers in the bedroom at night, as the light from the screens interferes with sleep,” Patel says.

“If you are concerned about your teenager’s sleeping habits and the effects of this on their health, consult your GP.”