Sleep-deprived teenagers ‘more likely to suffer depression’

Sleep is one of the most basic needs to ensure that a person gets mental acuity and physical strength and stamina. It is vital that teenagers get enough rest and sleep each night to prevent illness and depression. Teenagers go through a lot of stress during this part of their lives, which is why they have to learn how to unwind and de-stress once in a while. There are ways on how you can help your teen sleep better. Here are some guidelines.

Benefits of Sleep for Teens

Teenagers need to sleep enough each night to improve their mental, emotional and physical condition. Teenagers have to deal with a lot of things like physical changes in their body, social stress, peer pressure and identity crisis. They also have to manage school activities and try to get good grades. Sleep can help teens enhance their performance and make them strong and independent individuals who can think for themselves and make the right decisions that will be beneficial for the long term.

Studies show that teenagers who sleep adequately each night are less likely to get involved in drugs or crime. Teenagers who sleep well also get better grades or are more active in school sports and extracurricular activities. Young individuals also do not get pressured easily by friends and in most cases, are leaders in their own groups.

How Much is Enough?

Teenagers still need to grow and strengthen their bodies, thereby needing anywhere between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Experts also recommend that teenagers try to grab a quick nap lasting 30 to 60 minutes at midday to recondition their body and fuel it further to accomplish different tasks for the day. Some research show that teenagers, on the average, only need about 7.4 hours of rest each night. This depends on the body of the person, the pattern of sleeping and other health needs. Athletes and other physically active teenagers will need more to recuperate faster.

Things to Watch Out For

Teenagers who are deprived of sleep are much more prone to developing stress and depression after just a few weeks or months. There are also several other symptoms that are caused by lack of sleep. Teens may find it very hard to sleep at night or find it very hard to wake up in the morning. The teens may also develop breathing problems during sleep or snore a lot. Teens get easily irritated or bored. They might fall asleep in class or during social gatherings. Oversleeping might be done during the weekend. Teens who lack sleep also have a hard time concentrating or remembering things. They do not do so well in sports or cannot stay awake during quizzes or exams. Teens also have a high risk for injury and car accidents because they easily fall asleep behind the wheel.

Things to Do

Teens can try to balance their lifestyle by exercising to help tire themselves out and sleep better at night. They should also eat healthily and drink a lot of water to rid their body of toxins and other free radicals and wastes. Teenagers should forge strong relationships with family and the right friends in school to avoid peer pressure. They should also indulge in hobbies and other activities that will help them relax. They can be referred to a doctor for medications if serious problems occur.