If your teen is like other teens, you might marvel at their remarkable capacity for extended periods of sleep. At the same time, you might also wonder how much sleep is too much and how your teen’s sleeping patterns are affecting their daily life. Understanding why teens sleep as much as they do and whether you should be concerned is another thing on the long list of things to explore when helping ensure your teen’s overall good health and well-being.
The truth is that too much sleep could be an indicator of depression or other mental health issues. Not only that, but it could lead to a lack of motivation, which can have a serious impact on their life in general. When you consider this, it becomes even more important to get to the bottom of their sleep issues.
The Science of Sleep in Teens
It's crucial to understand the science underlying teenage sleep habits, first and foremost. Significant changes in one's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup occur during adolescence. The circadian rhythm, or internal clock, of the body changes over this period, resulting in an innate tendency towards later bedtimes and waking hours. Teens who have sleep deprivation as a result of this transition sometimes experience difficulties with early school start times. Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 need 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night in order to maintain good health and wellbeing, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Nevertheless, research indicates that an astounding 73% of American high school students fail to reach this standard, with many of them sleeping for less than seven hours on school nights. On the other end of the spectrum are the teens who are sleeping too much, which results in tardiness or even missing school. While both issues aren’t ideal, it’s sleeping too much that might trigger parents to worry about their teens mental health and motivation levels.The Connection Between Mental Health and Sleep
Teenagers' biological elements can contribute to some degree of their drowsiness, but sleeping too much can occasionally be a sign of underlying mental health problems like anxiety or sadness. Changes in sleep patterns, especially sleeping too much, can be a sign of emotional distress. Studies have indicated a reciprocal association between teen mental health and sleep. In addition to disturbing sleep patterns, mental health conditions can worsen feelings of anxiety and despair. As such, it is imperative that parents and other caregivers monitor any changes in their adolescent's sleep patterns and emotional health.Can Sleeping Too Much Be Linked to a Lack of Motivation?
Teenagers' innate tendency to sleep crosses a thin line when it comes to a worrying lack of drive. While it's common for teenagers to love spending weekends and school breaks curled up in bed, sleeping in excess and losing interest in past interests could be signs of a more serious problem. Oversleeping can occasionally be an indication of a lack of interest or drive. Teens may turn to sleep as an escape or avoidance strategy if they feel cut off from their social groups, extracurricular activities, or school. To encourage your teen to take an active role in life, it is imperative to address the underlying causes of their disengagement. You can do this by encouraging them to talk about what’s going on in a safe space. Focus on active listening without judging, so they feel comfortable. Additionally, it might be necessary to seek outside support, such as our program at Liahona Academy, when a lack of motivation has them falling behind in school or behaving in a concerning way. Our team works with teens to get to the root of their lack of motivation and teaches them coping skills that will help them for the rest of their lives.What Can Parents Do to Ensure Proper Sleep and Boost Motivation?
There are also tips you can incorporate in the home to try and increase your teen’s motivation level while also supporting better sleep, including:- Create a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Even on weekends, assist your teen in creating a regular sleep schedule. The secret to controlling the body's internal clock is consistency.
- Promote Physical Activity: Frequent exercise can enhance general wellbeing and the quality of sleep. Encourage your teen to engage in hobbies such as athletics, yoga, or even just taking a walk around the block.
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light that screens emit can interfere with the sleep cycle. Knowing this, it’s a good idea to have teens turn off technology at least one hour before going to bed.
- Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teach your teen healthy coping strategies for handling stress and emotions, like journaling, mindfulness, or talking to a therapist or another trusted adult.
- Set an Example: Set an example of good sleep hygiene and self-care for your teen. Emphasize to them the value of getting the right amount of sleep and caring for their mental and emotional health.
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