Teenagers Need More Sleep

Double board certified Dr. Ginari G. Price has been practicing medicine for over 10 years. Currently serving as the medical director at Psycare, LLC, in Fayetteville, Georgia, Dr. Ginari G. Price has also completed a fellowship in sleep medicine. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, most 13-18-year olds do not sleep enough each night.

Recent studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control show that up to 69 percent of teenagers do not sleep the recommended 8-10 hours per night. The lack of sleep not only hinders a teen’s ability to learn, but can also increase mood problems and patterns of bad decision-making.

Sleep is an important ingredient in promoting a teenager’s overall good health. In order to help teenagers receive the recommended amount of sleep, parents can set good examples and work to optimize good sleep habits.

First, a regular and consistent routine helps establish a teenager’s natural sleep rhythms. Additionally, parents can help their teen wake up more fully by exposing them to sunlight first thing in the morning. Finally, ridding a bedroom of electronic devices such as televisions, phones, and computers can help a teen rest more fully by eliminating the temptation to stay up late communicating with peers.

Since most junior and senior high schools begin classes at a very early hour, many parents have petitioned their school boards to delay school start times in an effort to help teens get the rest they need. These efforts have met varying results across the country. Currently, only 14 percent of schools begin at 8:30 or later.