News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Two studies of teenagers' sleeping habits indicate that 45% are getting less than the optimal nine hours a night, and 30% sleep less than seven hours.

One study links loss of sleep to the use of caffeinated beverages. Another links it to having computers, television and other technology in a teen's bedroom.

Researchers at the University of Alabama found that teens who drink caffeinated beverages get less sleep than those who do not. About 75% of teens drink at least one caffeinated drink a day. Professor Beverly Sedlacek said that teens use the beverages to get by on less sleep, and "getting by" is not as healthy as getting adequate sleep.

A study of 1000 British teens found that many teens fall asleep watching television, listening to music, or using the computer. This produces "junk sleep" that is not as rejuvenating as normal sleep, according to The Sleep Council of Great Britain. The Council reported that technology is "exaggerating night-owlism in teenagers," and recommended that parents enforce "turn-off" times.

A private high school, like Mount Bachelor Academy in Oregon, uses a very structured environment to make sure students get the rest they need to perform their best during the day.

Labels: health, influences, sleep_deprivation