Teen Sleep Deprivation:
Symptoms, Causes and Sticking to the Rules
The symptoms of teen sleep deprivation are the same as
those that occur in adults. They include muscle aches,
dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, headaches, shaking, irritability,
memory problems and yawning. Difficulty staying awake during class
and sudden symptoms that are akin to attention deficit disorder
(ADD) are some of the signs for parents and teachers to look for.
Generally speaking teenage sleep habits are not ideal. Most of
us have stayed up late studying for an exam or finishing a project
that we put off until the last minute. Self-discipline is the
key to resolving those problems, but that comes with age. Many
of us learn our lessons after only one or two sleepless nights.
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Teen sleep deprivation symptoms can also be a sign of
problems in the home, depression, behavioral problems, anxiety,
stimulant abuse or simply bad habits. It helps when good habits
are established early in a child’s life. But, it is no guarantee
that there will be no teenage sleep issues. So, if you’re
a parent, don’t blame yourself.
Rules can and should be enforced. Teenagers need 8-10
hours of sleep every night. If they have to get up at
7am to be in class, they need to be in bed, with the TV, computer,
stereo and lights off, no later than 11pm. If they have trouble
sleeping at night, encourage an after-school nap, before homework
or social activities.
They don’t have to get the full 8-10 hours in one shot,
but they should get most of them all together. Adult and teenage
sleep studies have shown that it normally takes 30 minutes to
fall asleep and it takes several hours to achieve a deep, restorative
state.
No parent likes to think about it, but teen sleep deprivation
can actually be a symptom of substance abuse. Speed,
meth, amphetamines, cocaine and even caffeine will keep anyone
awake for hours, sometimes days at a time. When that person attempts
to live up to their responsibilities, they often crash or use
more drugs to keep up, which is of course dangerous.
Enforcing teenage sleep rules can be difficult for parents.
No one wants to fight with their kids about going to bed. Every
parent has heard the line about how some friend’s parents
let them do it. The best words of advice that I can give are to
be strong and don’t give in. Teaching your teen good sleep
hygiene will help keep them healthy for life.
Teen sleep deprivation symptoms should be evaluated by
a physician, as they could be caused by an underlying
illness. Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem.
Related Articles:
Insomnia in Children
Sleep Apnea in Children
Facts About Insomnia
Symptoms of Insomnia
Return from Teen Sleep Deprivation
to Sleep Disorders
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