Teenager Sleeping While Studying

Teenagers, sleep is especially critical

“Getting enough sleep is important for all of us ¬¬- it helps our physical and mental health, boosts our immunity, and ensures we can function well on a daily basis,” Dr Agostini¬ says. “But for teenagers, sleep is especially critical because they’re at an age where they’re going through a whole range of physical, social, and developmental changes, all of which depend on enough sleep.

“Research shows that teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Without this, they’re less able to deal with stressors, such as bullying or social pressures, and run the risk of developing behavioural problems, as well as anxiety and depression.

“If sleep drops to less than six hours a night, research shows that teens are twice as likely to engage in risky behaviours such as dangerous driving, marijuana, alcohol or tobacco use, risky sexual behaviour, and other aggressive or harmful activities.”

University of South Australia. “Sleep keeps teens on track for good mental health.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 February 2021. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210210091215.htm>.