Sleep and teenagers
If you’re looking for information about why sleep is important for teenagers, how much they need and what can cause teenage sleep issues, read our factsheet on sleep.
Otherwise, check out these articles for strategies on how to improve your teenager’s sleep, where to find support and top tips from other parents.
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Frequently asked questions about teenagers and sleep
Quality sleep supports memory consolidation, emotional regulation, physical growth, and concentration. This is particularly important for your teen's education and overall wellbeing as their bodies and brains are still growing. Read more about the importance of sleep for teens.
When teens don’t get enough sleep, it can impact nearly every aspect of their wellbeing. Some common effects include:
difficulty focusing and remembering
struggles with school performance
increased mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
greater risk of accidents (especially while driving)
weakened immune system.
Ongoing sleep deprivation can also affect long-term mental and physical health. That’s why helping teens prioritise rest is essential for their overall development. Read more about why sleep is important for teenagers.
Some of the most common sleep issues for teens include:
late bedtimes, which are often due to homework, devices, or socialising
difficulty waking up, which can be linked to natural changes in the teen body clock
insomnia, including trouble falling or staying asleep
night-time anxiety or overthinking about worries that keep them awake
irregular schedules, like sleeping in on weekends, which can make Monday mornings harder.
Find some practical strategies to support your teens' sleep.
Most teenagers need around 8-10 hours of sleep every night to feel and function at their best. Because their body clock changes during adolescence, they naturally feel sleepy later at night, but still need to wake up early for school. This is why consistent routines, limiting screens before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment are so important. Learn why sleep is so important for teens.