The teenage years are a time of rebellion against parental authority. When it comes to bedtime, the power struggle begins. This is why few teenagers get the recommended nine hours of sleep per night. It is important for parents to make sure that the teenager understands the importance of regular sleep.

 

 

Texting and phone calls late into the night, surfing the internet and watching TV often result in irregular sleeping patterns among teenagers. The result is that they are tired at school and unable to perform. Irregular sleep causes irritability, poor concentration, slower reflexes and recklessness. To avoid the effects of sleep deprivation, teenagers should get between 8.5 and 9.5 hours of sleep at night. Ideally, they should be in bed by 9 pm.

 

Friends and hobbies often make it difficult for teenagers to want to go to bed. During puberty, they get tired one to two hours later, so you can't put them to bed too early or they won't be able to fall asleep anyway. Everyone, but especially adolescents, benefit from a fixed sleep routine. It may take some time for them to get used to the set times, but if you stick to the bedtimes consistently, their bodies will adjust and make it easy for them to fall asleep. As bedtime approaches, they should already be calming down inside. Stimulating activities such as watching TV or using the computer should be avoided half an hour before bedtime. It is better to read or take a warm bath. This signals to the body that it is time to wind down.

 

 

In order for a teenager to stick to their sleep routine, they should learn to understand why it is so important. A lack of sleep can make you physically and emotionally ill.

 

To avoid interrupting their sleep routine, teenagers should also stick to roughly the same sleeping times at the weekend. If they are allowed to sleep in late, they will find it harder to go to bed in the evening and lose their rhythm. For better sleep, it helps if the room is cool and dark and has no stimulating colours. If a teenager has long-term difficulties falling asleep, you should speak to a doctor.