It is hard for teens to sleep at the right time and complete eight hours every night. This has become a problem especially for those who work, have active night life, or even have hectic study schedules. Unfortunately, teenage years is very critical when it comes to brain development. And yes, sleep is the main factor for this.
Sleep deprivation interacts with a teenager's biological rhythms, thus creating some periods of low energy, laziness, and tiredness that would last until mid-morning. This is one of the reasons why teens also tend to have shorter hours of sleep.
Experts say that sleep deprivation is a threat for every teen's performance in school. Studies have shown that those who are deprived of sleep are more distracted and the ability to recall information tend to be slower than normal. Other cognitive aspects affected by sleep deprivation are behavior, attention, and learning problems.
For teens to attain good sleeping habits that will lead to good school performance, there is a need to eliminate some things that tempt them into staying awake. Studies show that those with televisions in their bedrooms have poorer-quality sleep. Some other activities that teens need to be disciplined with are the use of computers, smartphones, PSP, and tablets. Generally, electronic media devices should e removed from the bedroom.
Teens may not feel the other effects of sleep deprivation today but in later years, chronic diseases will show. Researchers say that lack of sleep can affect one's memory especially for the teens. And aside from memory and thinking problems, teens with poor sleeping habits have higher risks of heart disease and stroke, depression, and type 2 diabetes.
Aging starts at 28, according to experts. Teenagers today may not feel the effects of sleep deprivation but in later years, it will be staggering. As much as we want to tell the generation today to keep up with their health, the world seems to offer much pleasing things to tempt them into undersleeping. As they get older, the teens of today can be less sharp compared to the older generations who never had smartphones and tablets before.
