Why Do Teenagers Sleep So Much? -

No, it’s not just your problem and nothing might be actually wrong with your teenager.

It’s a trend that is seen these days – therapists come across several cases each day where parents complain that teenagers are sleeping throughout the day. The reason can be many – wrong sleep patterns, stress, just a habit, lazy, or just because they are going through a phase where their body needs a lot of sleep, more than you believe.

Parents Have Several Queries – we will be addressing each of them in this article.

How much sleep should a 15-year-old get?
Why do teenagers sleep late?
Excessive sleepiness in teenagers.
My son sleeps all day and is awake all night

So, let’s first address the most common question and worry of many parents.

Teenagers Sleeping Throughout the Day and Awake at Night:

It’s the age of handheld devices and gadgets that are distracting and tempting. If you are a parent, think about it.

Earlier, we did not have mobile phones and Internet.

There was no Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, reels to watch, OTT, YouTube, Twitter.
No one messaged us so much. It was just a plain SMS that we received.
Calls were expensive and so was messaging.
There were no video calls.
We did not have social media acquaintances.

Aren’t these too many attractions to keep one occupied?

In fact, this is one of the reasons why teens are awake all night. Thus, their sleep patterns changed.

But why at night? These can be done at night.

As a parent would you allow your child to spend hours watching or scrolling the mobile? They too need some privacy and their ‘me time’ and have chosen the night-time.

Staying awake quite late into the night and as a result, sleeping late or throughout the day. It’s a cycle that has changed.

If you visit a doctor, you will be told that this kind of sleep pattern is often referred to as “delayed sleep phase syndrome” or “night owl” behaviour.

It is indeed a problem of our present generation!

But – what about those children who are not into so much ‘Blue screen time’? They too are developing this problem to a large extent.

Yes, there are other reasons as well. This might be due to

Biological changes:

Their body is going through a lot of changes at this age.

They experience a natural shift in their circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This shift tends to make them feel more alert and awake during the evening and night, leading to a delayed sleep phase.

Might Be Due to Their Lifestyle Factors:

Yes, they do have a big social life, at times that is beyond your imagination.

Teenagers often have busy social lives, especially in the evenings. They might be spending time with friends, participating in extracurricular activities, or using electronic devices, which can all contribute to delaying bedtime.

Studies and Academic Stress:

School schedules and homework load can be demanding, leaving teens with little time to relax during the day. They might find the evening and night as the only time to unwind and pursue their interests.

How To Manage The Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome:

It is something that shouldn’t be encouraged because in the long term, it will be harmful to their general health.

As a parent, try to help your child. Try the Following:

To help your teenager establish a healthier sleep schedule, consider the following tips:

Encourage a consistent sleep schedule:

Encourage your teen to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Remember, things are not going to change overnight.

At least make a beginning and plan week-wise. It will be much easier. Even if there is little progress, it is certainly worth it.

Limit screen time before bedtime:

Ah, this is the tough one, especially if your child spends a lot of time.

Try and encourage them to set time for a break from social media. Encourage them to avoid electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Screen time affects the mind and body tremendously and if it is affecting the sleep schedule, it has to be decreased.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine:

Establishing a calming routine before bed, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, can signal the body that it’s time to wind down.

Promote daytime physical activity:

Regular exercise can help regulate sleep patterns and improve overall sleep quality.

Manage stress:

Stress can affect every part of the body.

You never know how stress can completely change your life.

Check if your teenager is going through it.

Help your teenager find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety, such as through hobbies, mindfulness techniques, or talking to a counsellor.

Limit caffeine intake:

These days teenagers consume coffee, tea and other drinks quite late in the evening.

These might also be a reason for a disruption in their sleep patterns. Encourage your teen to avoid caffeine and other stimulants in the late afternoon and evening.

Is there anything to worry about then, if the kid stays awake all night and sleeps throughout the day?

If your teenager’s sleep pattern of sleeping through the day and waking up at night is causing significant disruptions in their daily life, then it is something that you should worry about.

Is it affecting their school performance, social activities, or overall well-being, then it may be worth addressing and seeking professional advice.

Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to sleep deprivation, which can have various negative effects on physical and mental health, including:

Reduced cognitive function:

There are many functions of the body that are dependent on our sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation can impair memory, attention, and learning abilities, which can affect academic performance.

Mood disturbances:

Their sleep disturbance is a major cause of their mood swings and irritability.

Irregular sleep patterns can lead to irritability, mood swings, and an increased risk of developing mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

Daytime sleepiness:

If your teen is sleeping during the day, they might experience excessive daytime sleepiness, making it challenging to stay awake and alert during essential activities. Daytime sleepiness is not healthy because it disrupts social life.

Social isolation:

A conflicting sleep schedule can lead to social isolation, as your teenager may miss out on social interactions and events that typically happen during the day.

Increased health risks:

Chronic sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.

Impact on daily responsibilities:

If their sleep pattern is in opposition to the standard work or school schedule, it can make it difficult for your teen to fulfil their daily responsibilities.

So, as a parent what can you do?

As a first step, try having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your teenager about their sleep habits.

Understand their perspective and any factors that might be contributing to their delayed sleep schedule.

Offer your support and assistance in finding solutions to help them improve their sleep habits.

If you find that there is no improvement in the situation, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or a sleep specialist.

They can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify any underlying sleep disorders or other issues that may be impacting your teenager’s sleep pattern.

Depending on the findings, they can provide guidance and recommend appropriate interventions to help your teenager establish a healthier sleep schedule.

Why Do Teenagers Sleep So Much?