How sleep impacts teenagers’ mental health

Sleep is necessary for the body’s healing and development process, and getting the right amount of sleep each night is critical for mental health.

As your child enters puberty and displays all of the “typical” and “not so normal” teenage characteristics, their developing bodies change, both physically and emotionally. With these changes come increasing responsibilities and more difficult problems at home and school. Some teenagers find it difficult to fall asleep at night due to these combined demands.

Teenagers’ mental health concerns have been on the rise in recent years, and the influence of the Covid19 pandemic has further intensified this trend. As a result, mental health concerns are now becoming a significant concern and a major challenge for public health systems. As a result, promoting mental health is a top priority for the younger generation’s healthcare.

Sleep difficulties have previously been associated with psychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Suicidal thoughts and sadness were shown to be just as likely in teenagers who didn’t get enough sleep as in those who did risky things, according to the study.

Sleep deprivation is not a typical aspect of development. Even the toughest kids are impacted by the symptoms and consequences, which can be fatal for those who are susceptible to mental disorders like depression.

Benefits of good sleep

1. Enhances your emotional and mental well-being
2. Aids in the improvement of cognitive function, especially memory.
3. Assists in increasing energy levels and productivity.
4. Boosts concentration.
5. Aids in the management of chronic stress.
6. Your immune system will be strengthened.
7. Aids in the development of stamina and endurance.

 Negative effects of sleep deprivation

1. Changes in eating habits
2. Bad impact on focus and concentration
3. Increases lack of attention and daydreaming
4. Rises pre-existing mental health disorders like anxiety, sadness, and ADHD
5. Tends to increase risk-taking behavior
6. Increases procrastination and lack of interest/enthusiasm
7. Increase in moodiness

 Causes of Sleep Deprivation in Teens

1. Social media, video games, and television are all examples of technology affecting teenagers’ sleeping patterns.
2. Using caffeine or nicotine
3. Stress
4. The brain is prompted to stay awake due to light from screens.

Now that you’re aware of the link between sleep and health, you must take efforts to ensure that your teen gets the required amount of sleep each night. This can be as simple as setting a bedtime for some teens, but for others who suffer from sleep disorders or difficulty falling asleep, it may be more difficult. Here are some suggestions for improving your teen’s sleeping patterns at home to support greater growth and overall health:

1. Making schedule

Getting your teen on a routine is the greatest way to ensure that they have enough time to go asleep and wake up without feeling rushed. Set the actual bedtime for your teen 1-2 hours before you want them to fall asleep.

2. Limit Sugar and Avoid Caffeine

Avoid energy drinks, sodas, and coffee.

3. Encourage Exercise

All it takes is thirty minutes of light to moderate exercise per day to burn calories and enhance the production of melatonin, the “sleep hormone” that makes you tired.

4. Avoid napping

Keeping your teen awake throughout the day will make it easier for them to fall asleep at night.

5. Smaller Meals

Eating smaller meals reduces digestive load, which may be preventing your teen from falling asleep, especially after a large dinner.

Whether these don’t work, see your doctor see if therapy will help. For example, chronic insomnia can often make people so nervous about falling asleep that it exacerbates the problem. This sort of anxiety may benefit from cognitive-behavioral treatment.

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