7 Signs That Your Teen Isn't Getting Enough Sleep (and How We Can Help)

Moodiness, angst, and irritability are rites of passage for teenagers. But changing hormones and puberty aren’t the only reasons your teen’s behavior may change suddenly.

Sleep is crucial for every child’s development, especially during the teenage years. Unfortunately, according to a study released by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2018, up to 73% of high school students fail to get the 8-10 hours of sleep a night they need.

Do you know how much sleep your teenager gets each night? Our team at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, specializes in helping teens get the quality sleep they need. The first step is recognizing there’s a problem.

 Here are seven signs your teen isn’t sleeping enough — and how we can help:

They struggle to concentrate on everyday tasks

Sleep deprivation makes it harder for your teen’s brain to stay alert and process information.

When they aren’t sleeping enough, they might struggle to pay attention in class, keep up with conversations, or even finish simple chores.

You notice more angry outbursts

Lack of sleep can significantly impact mood, and teenagers are no exception. If your teen is suddenly more irritable or short-tempered, they might not be getting enough rest to manage their emotions. Poor sleep often leads to frustration and emotional instability.

Their grades are slipping

When your teen isn’t sleeping enough, their performance at school can suffer. Sleep is essential for learning and memory retention, so it’s no surprise tired teens may struggle to keep up with assignments, tests, and classwork. 

Waking them up for school feels impossible

Teens naturally have a different sleep cycle, but if getting them out of bed for school feels like a daily battle, sleep deprivation may be the culprit. Teens who don’t get enough sleep often have difficulty waking up in the morning, leaving them groggy and sluggish to start the day.

Every weekend seems like a sleep marathon

Teens who sleep excessively on weekends may be trying to catch up on lost sleep. Sleeping late occasionally is normal, but regular weekend sleep marathons can indicate your teen isn’t getting nearly enough rest during the school week.

They seem depressed and fatigued

Sleep is linked to mental health. If your teen seems unusually down, anxious, or fatigued, lack of sleep may be a factor. Sleep deprivation can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and even depression. Addressing their sleep habits can help improve their mood and behavior.

They get sick more than usual

The immune system relies on good sleep. Without proper sleep, your teen’s body can’t recharge and defend itself as effectively, making them more vulnerable to illnesses.

Help your teen get the quality sleep they need

Poor sleep can cause a domino effect on your teen’s mental and physical health. The sooner you help them get back on track with healthy sleep habits, the quicker they can feel refreshed, focused, and energized. 

We take a comprehensive approach to sleep health at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, including sleep studies, sleep diaries, and other essential testing methods. 

After a thorough assessment, we may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and interventional therapies, such as:

• Avoiding caffeine
• Setting consistent sleep schedules
• Limiting screen time before bed
• Treating sleep apnea, if necessary
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
• Encouraging regular physical activity
• Adjusting the sleep environment for comfort
• Limiting daytime naps
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Monitoring diet 

Call Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine today or schedule a consultation online for expert guidance and personalized solutions to help your teen get the restful sleep they need.