Think your teenagers’ chronic sleepiness is due to laziness? You’re not alone.
But despite one-third of Australian parents believing the myth, new research reveals the truth is very different.
Research by The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne released on Wednesday pulled back the covers on the incorrect stereotypes sleep-deprived students face.
Paediatrician and director of RCH’s National Child Health Poll Dr Anthea Rhodes said natural changes to teenager’s internal body clocks are more likely to be the reasons for their sleep stress, rather than just their bad habits.
“The body clock, or diurnal rhythm does shift, which means your natural hormones are more stimulated into the evening, and you’re wired to want to stay up later,” Rhodes says.
“Then, because teenagers still need a large amount of sleep due to growing and developing a lot and their brains changing, they generally end up needing to sleep in.”
Be aware of contributing factors to sleep issues
Doctors listed other contributing factors, including inconsistent bedtimes, screen use before bed and caffeine as other reasons teenagers may find getting to sleep difficult.
More than 1600 Australian parents of school-aged children were surveyed by The National Child Health Poll about their beliefs regarding sleep and their child’s sleep habits and common bedtime myths for the study.
One-third of parents think if teenagers can’t get up for school, they’re lazy and almost half hold the misbelief that too much sleep is bad for youths. 42 per cent of children have a problem with their sleep patterns.
Alarmingly, Rhodes says around half of parents surveyed believed screen time before bed could be helpful in getting them a restful night.
“Because you might look at a child or your teen, and they look quite relaxed, and quiet on their bed and think, ‘Okay, they’re winding down’. But actually, their brain is winding up while they’re engaging with the screen,” she says.
“By having artificial light, it’s a bit like your brain is being told, ‘It’s daytime, it’s morning, stay awake.'”
Key tips to tackle sleep problems
- Sleep is a key part of healthy growth and development for children and teens
- Although there are average ranges for how much sleep children need at different ages, every child’s sleep needs are individual
- Caffeine and screens can lead to poorer quality sleep and delay your child falling asleep
- Establishing and sticking to a consistent and predictable bedtime routine is important. Be clear about acceptable bedtime behaviour
- Avoid negotiation at bedtime and aim to remain calm and consistent
- Remember – positive reinforcement is an important part of behaviour change
- Praise and reward healthy bedtime habits when your child wakes up the next morning
Good quality sleep allows the body to rest and helps with various physical and emotional processes – including immunity and the concentration they need to face the academic year ahead.
If sleep problems are causing major issues, speak with your doctor, who may refer you to a sleep specialist. Some children and teens suffer from more general anxiety that affects them during the day as well as at night; they may need specialised mental health support. In these cases, a doctor may suggest speaking to a psychologist.
More support
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Sleep problems – babies and toddlers
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Night terrors (night-time wakings)
- Kids Health Info fact sheet: Sleepwalking
- Sleep with Kip: Fast, effective sleep help for you & your kids
- Smiling Mind App: Free meditation app developed by psychologists and educators
