Are the Sleep Patterns of Teens Different Than Children?

Adequate sleep is crucial to the health of children and teens, although many do not receive enough sleep. A child̵7;s chronological age generally guides how much sleep is required, but children̵7;s individual needs prohibit a prescribed one-size-fits-all number. The sleep patterns and obstacles to sleep are different for teens than they are for children. Parents can help their teen acquire more restful sleep by offering bedtime modifications.

  1. Children's Sleep Patterns

    • The sleep needs for younger children vary by their chronological age. Toddlers need approximately 10 to 13 hours of nightly sleep, and most need a daytime nap. Preschool children may substitute quiet time for a daytime nap if their sleep needs of 10 to 12 hours of nightly sleep are met. School-age and preteen children need about 10 to 12 hours of nightly sleep but, like teens, experience problems obtaining adequate sleep when external influences appear more appealing than turning the lights out for quality sleep.

    Teen Sleep Patterns

    • The children̵7;s development website Kids Health reports that teens need approximately 8 ½ to more than nine hours of sleep every night, although many teens have problems receiving adequate sleep. Teens find it difficult to fall asleep early like younger children because the body̵7;s internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, alters during the teen years. A teen̵7;s circadian rhythm shifts to influence a later time for going to sleep and awakening. Ironically, the circadian shift could not occur at a more inconvenient time for teens, when stringent academic demands, social activities and extracurricular events all vie for time and attention.

    Teen Insomnia

    • Modifications in the body̵7;s circadian rhythm influence teen sleep deprivation, but other factors contribute to insufficient teen sleep as well. Teens wrestle with insomnia, defined as problems falling or remaining asleep, and when they do, stress is typically the leading culprit. New freedoms, academic demands and peer pressure can quickly intensify levels of stress for teens. Other factors related to teen insomnia include relationship or family concerns and an unpleasant sleeping environment. Chronic insomnia persists for a month or longer, and requires help from your teen̵7;s physician or mental health specialist.

    Teen Sleep Modifications

    • Help your teen to compensate for the changes in her circadian rhythm by suggesting sleep modifications. Convincing your teen to turn off or unplug cellular phones, computers and all other electronic devices may pose a challenge, but electronic devices present an obstacle to uninterrupted teen sleep. Keeping your teen̵7;s room comfortably cool and dark can help her to fall asleep and remain asleep. Encourage your teen to avoid caffeinated beverages, heavy meals and vigorous exercise within four hours of her bedtime.

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