The Effects of Lack of Sleep in Teenagers

Sleeping during the day is a favorite pastime among teens. Waking up past noon on a Saturday is not uncommon. Many teens, however, sleep with the cell phone in alert mode, constantly waking to return a text to friends. Without solid rest and a normal night's sleep, today's teenagers often end up sleep deprived.

Behavior Issues

• Less than nine hours of sleep per night places young adults at risk for developmental and emotional difficulties. Sleep deprivation may account for behavioral problems, accidents and even psychopathology, reports The American Psychological Association. Sleep increases brain chemistry, which improves mood and social interaction. Nine to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep helps the growing brain adapt to the chemical effects of developmental and emotional growth, life changes, and peer and social demands. Healthy sleeping patterns balance hormonal shifts in the endocrine system. This additional sleep also reduces frustration levels that are often at the root of "acting out" behaviors.

Inability to Problem Solve

• Poor concentration and minds that wander are a result of lack of sleep.

  Daily stress damages the immune system; however, making time to sleep can correct the hormonal imbalances caused by everyday stress. For teenagers, stress is inevitable, but without providing the brain with time to "sleep on it," the long-term effects of stress can take their toll on adolescents. Truancy, increased sick days, moodiness and risk-taking behavior can be signs that the maturing teenager is not recharging his battery with sufficient sleep. Lack of enthusiasm and depression can arise from long-term sleep deprivation, which in teenage years can occur with only several weeks of poor sleeping patterns.

Learning Difficulties

• Psychologists Amy R. Wolfson, Ph.D., of the College of the Holy Cross, and Mary A. Carskadon, Ph.D., of Brown University Medical School, conducted a study that included 3,000 adolescents and found that those with less sleep reported receiving school grades of C, D and F. These students also reported receiving 25 minutes less sleep and going to bed 40 minutes later than students getting A's and B's. The study pointed to shortened attention spans, memory impairment and reduced academic performance that resulted from sleep deprivation.

Poor Judgment

• Frustration and anxiety levels increase in teenagers who are exposed to new experiences. This normal developmental reaction is exacerbated by lack of sleep. Every day they are watching and learning how to adapt to behaviors in their world and the adult world. With all of these impressions, opportunities for mistakes, and pressure to make mature choices, lack of sleep creates a recipe for failure. Limit testing is the way that teenagers determine the boundaries of their world. Without enhanced judgment and problem solving skills that arise from a good night's sleep, it's difficult for teenagers to shine.