Sleep problems in teenagers: Causes and myths

Sleep problems for teenagers may potentially affect their day-to-day activities and their health. During sleep, the body releases a growth hormone that is important for physical growth in children and teens. Teenagers should get 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night for their physical growth to be unaffected.

Youths generally cite the following reasons for their sleep problems:

• Worrying over unfinished business (school work, tests, exams)

• Playing video games late at night

• Online chats with friends

• Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)

• Watching late-night television

• Stress

Some myths youths have about sleep include:

• Loss of sleep can be compensated - sleep debt cannot be compensated

• Drinking alcohol can make you sleep better - drinking alcohol at night may make you drowsy, making it easier for you to sleep but it will reduce deep sleep and cause frequent awakening at night

• Exercising can overcome sleep problems - this depends on what time you exercise as late-night exercising will not help with falling asleep