Eye-Opening Information About Teens' Sleep

As school bells ring, many teens are having a tough time adjusting to the early morning wake-up call.

Some teens may even fall asleep during their early morning classes, or worse, nod off behind the wheel driving to school, according to Westlake Hospital officials.

"A teenager's typical sleep schedule may be disrupted during the summer break," said Gina Briseno, clinical coordinator of the Sleep Disorders Center at Westlake Hospital. "With early morning high school classes contributing to their sleep deprivation, teens could put themselves at risk when they drive to school."

Parents should begin monitoring and adjusting the sleeping habits of their children, especially adolescents, Westlake officials contend.

Tips, they say, include:

Establishing a School-Year Sleep Routine

A routine can be gradually introduced by the teen going to bed 15-30 minutes earlier each night. The schedule should be maintained on the weekends.

Establish a Regular Bedtime Routine

Bedtime routines are important, regardless of a child's age. Television, exercise, computer and telephone use should be discouraged and caffeine should be avoided in the hours before bedtime.

Achieve a Balanced Schedule

Identify and prioritize a teen's activities that allow for downtime and sufficient sleep time. Help students avoid an overloaded schedule that can lead to stress and difficulty copying, which contribute to poor health and sleep problems.

Look for Signs of Sleep Deprivation and Sleepiness in Your Child

The signs, not always obvious, can include difficulty waking in the morning, irritability late in the day, falling asleep spontaneously during quiet times of the day and sleeping for extra long periods on the weekends.

Let the Sunshine In

Bright light can help awaken a teen in the morning, but should be avoided in the evening.

Be a Good Role Model

Make sleep a priority for yourself and your family by practicing good sleep habits, creating a home environment conducive to healthy sleep habits and establishing regular sleep.

Parents should be conscious of sleep problems exhibited by their children. Loud snoring, daytime fatigue and inactivity are all signs of a potential sleep disorder.