Sleep is essential to our well-being and teens are no exception. Unfortunately, many teens don’t get the sleep they need. This lack of sleep can lead to a number of physical and mental health challenges, such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings.
If you’re the parent of a teen who is having trouble sleeping, it can be difficult to know what to do. However, there are steps you can take that may help your child get the rest they need. In this blog, we’ll explore some of these steps and provide helpful tips to support your teen’s sleep health.
Why Is Sleep Important?
Getting enough sleep is vital for teens, as it helps them stay alert and focused in school. But also helps them to maintain healthy relationships with friends and family, and recover from physical or emotional stress. Not getting enough sleep can have a negative impact on their academic performance and lead to an increased risk of poor academic performance, anxiety, and depression.
When teens are able to get the appropriate amount of sleep, it can help them stay healthy, alert, and focused. It is recommended that teens get at least eight to ten hours of sleep each night. However, teens are at an age of independence and have access to later curfews, jobs, and technology. All of these factors can interfere with getting the recommended amount of sleep. This can lead to teens having sleep problems in Roswell GA.
Common Sleep Problems Teens Face
This may come as no surprise to you as a parent of a teen but lack of sleep is a common problem among teenagers. Insomnia, irregular sleep schedules, and excessive daytime sleepiness are all typical adolescent sleep issues that can interfere with getting the recommended amount of sleep. From staying up on social media or studying late at night, these habits can disrupt teens’ circadian rhythms and make it more difficult to wake up in the morning.
Many teens don’t realize how important it is to get enough restful, quality sleep each night. This can be due to thinking they can power through the day on less sleep than they actually need. However, lack of sleep can lead to issues such as mood swings, irritability, and headaches. This often leads to feelings of frustration and helplessness when they begin to feel the effects of sleep deprivation.
How Sleep Problems in Roswell, GA Impacts Teens
When teens don’t get enough sleep, they may experience consequences such as poor academic performance, decreased concentration and focus. Not to mention irritability and depression. Sleep deprivation can also lead to an increased risk of accidents due to drowsy driving or not being able to properly assess situations.
Teens are often unaware of just how much their lack of sleep is impacting their bodies and minds. For example, your teen wants to go to a late-night concert, but if they only got six hours of sleep the night before instead of the recommended eight to ten, then their decision-making skills may be impaired. They may feel rested at first, but as the day goes on they may become more prone to making impulsive decisions or feeling excessively tired.
Improving Sleep
It’s important to help your teen create healthier sleep habits and patterns. Initially, you may need to talk with your teen about how much sleep they are getting. And why it’s important to get the recommended amount of sleep each night. Giving your teen examples of the potential consequences of not getting enough sleep can help them understand why it’s important.
Encourage your teen to create a regular sleep schedule and stick with it. Unfortunately, more so for your teen, even on weekends. If their bedtime is later than usual one night, suggest that they make up for it by going to bed earlier the next night. Remind them that consistent and adequate sleep is essential for their well-being.
It Can Also Be Helpful to Limit Exposure to Screens Before Bed.
Teens may have a hard time putting down their phones. But the blue light of electronic devices can make it harder for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. It affects their circadian rhythm and can lead to insomnia, difficulty waking up in the morning, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Encourage your teen to limit their electronic device usage at least one hour before bedtime. For example, they can read a book, use this time for homework, or practice calming activities such as yoga or meditation. Also, energy drinks and coffee can sometimes be a teen’s favorite beverage. However, it’s important to avoid caffeine and sugary drinks before bed. As they can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoiding heavy meals or sugary snacks before bed can also help improve sleep.
It Takes Time to Make Changes
Sleep problems in teens do not develop overnight and they cannot be solved overnight. It’s important to remember that making changes to our sleep habits takes time and patience. This is why sleep therapy in Roswell, GA can be beneficial. Your teen can work with an experienced therapist to develop strategies for improving sleep and creating better habits. For example, the therapist may recommend using EMDR for anxiety or other techniques to help your teen manage their stress and get better sleep.
Your teen does have the power to improve their sleep but sleep therapy can help them do it. Their therapist can encourage your teen to start small. This could mean setting realistic goals, such as getting one more hour of sleep each night or turning off their phones an extra 15 minutes before bedtime. Or helping them develop strategies to reduce stress and manage their worries. For example, the therapist may suggest journaling before bed or other relaxation techniques. These steps may seem insignificant, but they can have a positive impact in the long run and help your teen get better sleep.
Start Sleeping Better Tonight with Sleep Therapy in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Milton GA Today!
Sleep is essential for teens’ physical and mental health. It’s important to be patient and understanding with your teen when it comes to sleep issues. Helping them make small changes over time can be more effective than making drastic changes overnight. At Wellview Counseling we understand the importance of sleep and offer Sleep Therapy in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Milton GA. Our team of experienced therapists can help your teen create healthier habits and routines to get the recommended amount of restful sleep each night. If you’re ready to get started:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Sleep Better With Sleep Therapy in Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton GA!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that you or your teen may be struggling with more than sleep problems in Roswell, GA. This is why we offer a variety of therapy services to help you manage any of the challenges that you may be facing. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!
About the Author
Introducing Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over two decades of experience specializing in helping adolescents overcome trauma-related stress, anxiety, and depression. She offers personalized support to parents dealing with teens’ sleep problems during the return to school, fostering healing and resilience through a tailored approach. While not providing EMDR directly, Ashley can guide parents seeking its benefits for their teenagers’ anxiety. To discover more about Ashley and her practice at Wellview Counseling and start your journey toward smoother transitions and improved sleep for your teen, visit our website today.