Sleep plays an essential role in your teen’s physical and mental health. Yet between homework, extracurriculars, and social commitments, it can be tough for teens to get the recommended eight to 10 hours of nightly rest.
How sleep affects teen mental health
Research shows that sleep deprivation can lead to anxiety and depression in teens, plus difficulty managing emotions.
Here’s why: During sleep, the brain processes emotions and consolidates memories. Lack of sleep disrupts this process, making it challenging for teens to cope with stress and focus in school.
Take Mia, a high school sophomore in Cleveland. Between soccer practice, studying for exams, and scrolling her phone before bed, she often gets fewer than six hours of sleep each night. Over time, she starts feeling irritable and becomes overwhelmed by even the smallest setbacks.
Conversely, teens who get at least eight hours of nightly sleep are in a better position to manage the academic and social pressures they face. But getting enough sleep isn’t always straightforward.
Tips for parents to promote healthy sleep
Sleep supports cognitive functions like problem-solving, which helps adolescents excel in school and maintain healthy relationships.
It’s no wonder that healthy sleep habits have such an impact on teen mental health. Here are some practical steps parents can take to support their teen:
- Limit screen time before bed
Smartphones and other devices emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Suggest winding down with a book instead of scrolling through TikTok or Snapchat.
- Create a sleep-friendly space
A dark, cool room can make falling asleep easier. Think about investing in blackout curtains and white noise machines if other factors get in the way of your teen’s sleep.
- Stick to a sleep schedule
Help your teen follow a regular sleep routine by setting consistent times for sleeping and waking up, even on weekends. This habit trains the body to know when it’s time to rest.
Even small changes, like dimming the lights an hour before bed, can make a difference. And teens like Mia often find that after just a week of prioritizing sleep, they feel more energized—and happier too.
Put your teen’s mental health first with Beyond Healthcare
Do you have questions about your teen’s sleep or general well-being?
Serving children and families across Ohio, Beyond Healthcare answers. Contact us today to speak with a compassionate team member about your teen’s mental health.
