Youth Culture Window

Sleep Loss…and Costs

sleep-loss-and-costs

The Real Price of Sleep Deprivation in Kids’ Lives

Teens aren’t getting enough sleep, not by a long shot. The effects it’s having on our kids can be scary. The way teens deal with it can be even scarier.

Something has to be done because our kids are paying a steep price for losing sleep.

Short Nights Lead to Long Days

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that teenagers get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, studies show that less than 10% of teens get that amount (even on school nights). The actual amount of sleep the average teen gets is closer to 6.5 hours per night.

There are lots of reasons why teens get such little sleep. Among the most prevalent are increases in homework, certain health conditions (such as asthma, sleep apnea, etc.), drug and/or alcohol use, and of course, screens. The toll of sleep deprivation is even more varied. Teens who don’t get enough sleep:

That last risk is the most unsettling. For years, researchers have been trying to discover if there is any correlation between sleep deprivation and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Based on research released in October of 2018, it seems there is. Researchers now believe there is an association between sleep loss and risky behavior in teens, such as drug use, alcohol use, and dangerous driving. However, teen sleep deprivation had “the strongest associations” with mood and self-harm. According to their data, adolescents who slept less than six hours each night were three times more likely to report suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.

That’s bad news. The good news is, some teens are willing to try and solve their own problems. The worse news is, their solutions are often self-prescribed sleeping aids….

The C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital conducts regular polls on adolescent health issues. In a study released in September of 2018, they found that 28% of kids between the ages of 13 and 18 had tried some form of medication to address sleep problems.

  • 16% of that group had tried an over-the-counter sleep remedy (such as NyQuil
  • 14% of them had used an over-the-counter antihistamine (such as Benadryl)
  • 5% had resorted to prescription sleep meds (not necessarily their own)

Are those solutions coming from a medical professional? Is that what their doctored ordered? Probably not. After all, only a quarter of the kids polled have ever talked to their physicians about their problems getting adequate sleep.

“Walking Zombies”

That’s what Dr. James B. Maas of Cornell University calls teenagers due to their rampant lack of sleep. He probably didn’t intend it, but zombies have a morbid commonality: they’re all dead. Based on the research above – especially the stats dealing with suicide and car accidents – it’s not an exaggeration to say quality sleep can have life and death consequences. Since sleep is so important, shouldn’t parents do everything they can to help their kids get a great night’s rest? Absolutely! It’s not hard to do. Here are several suggestions rolled into two overarching points.

  1. Control everything you can control. There are a few factors we can’t do much about, for instance, a health issue such as asthma or sleep apnea. But there are lots of ways we can influence our kids towards healthy sleeping habits. For starters, get screens out of their bedrooms. Whether it’s a smartphone or a laptop or anything in between, make sure it’s not a temptation for your children when they need to be resting. Also, make sure your kids have a regular bed time…and wake up time. According to research, it’s important that both are consistent (so be mindful of the weekends, too). You may need to help them manage their schedule, as well. For example, make sure homework is prioritized early enough in the afternoon that it’s not lingering over them at bedtime. On a related note, you may need to evaluate how many activities, clubs, or sports your kid is involved in. And finally, if you find that you just need to move up bedtimes a bit, do it! Anything that can help your child get a better night’s sleep is worth your effort.
  1. Lead by example. If you want your kids to get more and better sleep, model that pursuit in your own life. Yeah, yeah, I know that adults need less sleep than kids. But here’s the deal: you need more sleep, too. Well, at least a third of you do. So, take a look at your schedule. Is everything that’s filling your days – and nights– absolutely necessary? What about your bedtime? Does it keep creeping closer and closer to midnight? And where’s your phone during the night? If your kids’ smartphones are on the kitchen counter, yours probably should be, too. Kids usually respond more favorably to change when everyone submits to it, so put your own practices under some scrutiny so you can lead by example.

Make sure your kids aren’t zombies in the morning. Or ever. Exert every ounce of influence you can to help them get the rest they so desperately need. You can drastically change their days just by tweaking their nights.

By 79 Comments
Share
Tags:

David R. Smith

David R. Smith is the author of several books including Christianity... It's Like This and speaks to parents and leaders across the U.S. David is a 15-year youth ministry veteran, now a senior pastor, who specializes in sharing the gospel, and equipping others do the same. David provides free resources to anyone who works with teenagers on his website, DavidRSmith.org David resides with his wife and son in Tampa, Florida.

Recommended To You

when-our-kids-sleep-suffers

When Our Kids’ Sleep Suffers…

back-to-school

Back to School?

pandemic-obstacle-or-opportunity

Pandemic: Obstacle or Opportunity?

79 Comments

  1. Jeromesic
    March 21, 2025 at 10:59 am

    alo 789: dang nh?p alo789 – alo789hk

  2. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 4:16 am

    https://indiamedfast.shop/# cheapest online pharmacy india
    canadian pharmacy no scripts

  3. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 7:34 am

    online medicine shopping in india india pharmacy without prescription IndiaMedFast.com

  4. Georgetom
    March 24, 2025 at 8:38 am

    Mexican Pharm International: Mexican Pharm Inter – Mexican Pharm Inter

  5. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 9:44 am

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canadian medications
    canadian medications

  6. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 9:17 pm

    https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian pharmacy oxycodone
    canada drugs online reviews

  7. MonteMap
    March 25, 2025 at 3:45 am

    best online canadian pharmacy Inter Pharm Online best canadian pharmacy

  8. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 3:53 am

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# MexicanPharmInter
    best canadian pharmacy

  9. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 10:28 am

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online
    buy prescription drugs from canada cheap

  10. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 5:21 pm

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canadian online pharmacy
    canadian family pharmacy

  11. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 10:12 pm

    https://indiamedfast.com/# online medicine shopping in india

  12. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 3:22 am

    Generic Viagra online Generic 100mg Easy Generic100mgEasy

  13. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 5:32 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra Kopen Online

  14. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 11:21 am

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# cheap viagra

  15. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    order viagra Generic 100mg Easy Generic 100mg Easy

  16. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 5:13 pm

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  17. Williamben
    March 26, 2025 at 6:35 pm

    Generic100mgEasy: Generic100mgEasy – Generic 100mg Easy

  18. TerryErose
    March 26, 2025 at 9:55 pm

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  19. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 11:12 pm

    TadalafilEasyBuy.com Tadalafil Easy Buy TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  20. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 11:46 pm

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Tadalafil Easy Buy

  21. Williamben
    March 27, 2025 at 1:31 am

    buy generic 100mg viagra online: Generic100mgEasy – Generic 100mg Easy

  22. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 6:57 am

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription

  23. Williamben
    March 27, 2025 at 7:32 am

    kamagra 100mg kopen: kamagra gel kopen – Kamagra

  24. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 11:00 am

    TadalafilEasyBuy.com TadalafilEasyBuy.com TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  25. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 1:34 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra Kopen Online

  26. TerryErose
    March 27, 2025 at 6:11 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra pillen kopen

  27. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 8:00 pm

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# over the counter sildenafil

  28. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 10:26 pm

    kamagra 100mg kopen KamagraKopen.pro Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  29. TerryErose
    March 28, 2025 at 12:36 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# Viagra tablet online

  30. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 2:25 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra

  31. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 8:38 am

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy

  32. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 9:53 am

    kamagra 100mg kopen kamagra jelly kopen kamagra gel kopen

  33. Williamben
    March 28, 2025 at 1:35 pm

    Kamagra: Kamagra Kopen Online – kamagra 100mg kopen

  34. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 2:43 pm

    https://tadalafileasybuy.shop/# Tadalafil Easy Buy

  35. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 9:22 pm

    TadalafilEasyBuy.com cialis without a doctor prescription Buy Tadalafil 5mg

  36. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 2:13 am

    пинап казино – pinup 2025

  37. Williampaics
    March 29, 2025 at 6:38 am

    пин ап вход – пин ап вход

  38. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 8:34 am

    пин ап зеркало – пинап казино

  39. DwayneLah
    March 29, 2025 at 12:03 pm

    KamagraKopen.pro kamagra pillen kopen Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  40. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 3:02 pm

    пин ап вход – пин ап вход

  41. Williampaics
    March 29, 2025 at 7:00 pm

    пин ап зеркало – пин ап зеркало

  42. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 9:28 pm

    пин ап зеркало – пин ап зеркало

  43. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 1:03 am

    Tadalafil Easy Buy Cialis without a doctor prescription TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  44. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 3:47 am

    пин ап казино – пин ап вход

  45. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 10:20 am

    пин ап – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  46. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    Generic100mgEasy Generic 100mg Easy Generic 100mg Easy

  47. Williampaics
    March 30, 2025 at 1:44 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  48. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 4:43 pm

    pinup 2025 – пин ап зеркало

  49. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 6:04 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт: https://pinupkz.life/

  50. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 11:08 pm

    пин ап зеркало – пин ап вход

  51. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 5:51 am

    Kamagra Oral Jelly: Kamagra Oral Jelly – Kamagra kaufen

  52. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 9:14 am

    de online drogist kortingscode Apotheek Max Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  53. MichaelTwedO
    March 31, 2025 at 10:17 am

    Apotheek online bestellen: online apotheek – Beste online drogist

  54. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 11:30 am

    Apoteket online: apotek pa nett – apotek pa nett

  55. LouisCig
    March 31, 2025 at 12:16 pm

    https://apotekonlinerecept.com/# apotek online recept

  56. MichaelTwedO
    March 31, 2025 at 4:20 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept: Apotheek online bestellen – de online drogist kortingscode

  57. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 5:01 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept: Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept – Beste online drogist

  58. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 6:26 pm

    Beste online drogist Apotheek Max Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  59. MichaelTwedO
    March 31, 2025 at 10:48 pm

    Kamagra kaufen: Kamagra Oral Jelly – Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen

  60. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 11:17 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland met recept: Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept – Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  61. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 5:38 am

    apotek online recept apotek online Apoteket online

  62. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 5:52 am

    Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept: Kamagra kaufen – Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  63. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 6:05 am

    Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept: Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept – Apotheek Max

  64. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 12:56 pm

    Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept: Apotheek Max – online apotheek

  65. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    online apotheek: online apotheek – Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept

  66. LouisCig
    April 1, 2025 at 2:06 pm

    https://apotheekmax.com/# online apotheek

  67. LouisCig
    April 1, 2025 at 7:14 pm

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Gel

  68. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 7:45 pm

    Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept: Kamagra Gel – Kamagra Original

  69. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 8:08 pm

    online apotheek: de online drogist kortingscode – Apotheek online bestellen

  70. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 2:35 am

    Beste online drogist: Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept – ApotheekMax

  71. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 4:10 am

    Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept Kamagra Original Kamagra Gel

  72. MichaelTwedO
    April 2, 2025 at 10:49 am

    Online apotheek Nederland met recept: Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept – ApotheekMax

  73. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 3:57 pm

    ApotheekMax Apotheek Max Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept

  74. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 5:20 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept: online apotheek – Beste online drogist

  75. DerekUnoto
    April 3, 2025 at 12:18 am

    Beste online drogist: Apotheek Max – online apotheek

  76. Malcolmnag
    April 3, 2025 at 3:04 am

    apotek online recept apotek pa nett Apoteket online

  77. EdwinHug
    April 3, 2025 at 7:21 am

    canadian pharmacy 24: canadian pharmacy online – best canadian online pharmacy

  78. ChesterWob
    April 3, 2025 at 7:24 am

    legit canadian pharmacy online: go canada pharm – www canadianonlinepharmacy

  79. Matthewexogs
    April 3, 2025 at 8:04 am

    https://wwwindiapharm.shop/# top online pharmacy india

Reply your comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*