Teenagers' natural sleep period starts two to three hours later during adolescence, leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
Inappropriately early high school start times pose a significant threat to teenagers' sleep and can result in academic and safety concerns.
Deep dives
The Influence of Wake Time on Teenagers' Sleep Duration
As children move into adolescence, their biological clock shifts later, causing their natural sleep period to start two to three hours later. This shift makes it challenging for teenagers to fall asleep early, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. The majority of teens are running on a sleep deficit as a result.
The Impact of Early High School Start Times
Inappropriately early high school start times pose a significant threat to teenagers' sleep. Research has shown that starting school later leads to academic improvements, including higher graduation rates, SAT scores, and GPAs. Furthermore, it reduces tardiness and missed days. Early start times also increase the risk of auto accidents among sleep-deprived teenagers, making it a critical concern.
The Complications of Sleep Disorders in Teens
Teens can experience various sleep disorders that significantly affect their wellbeing and daily functioning. Conditions such as narcolepsy, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and idiopathic hypersomnia may contribute to excessive sleepiness or difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule. It is crucial for parents to monitor their teenager's sleep patterns and seek medical attention if any concerns arise.
Matt returns with Dr. Craig Kanapari to discuss sleep in teens and how biological and hormonal changes occur at a young age, usually around 11-13. The most clear determinant of sleep duration in a teen is wake time, and enforcing a wake time inappropriate to the teen's natural sleep period can lead to insomnia-like symptoms and create conflict. The single greatest threat to a teen's sleep schedule is early high school start times. California recently signed a law to address this, and other states are beginning to follow suit.
They also discuss teenage sleep deprivation and the issues it leads to. They also explore the concept of social jet lag as well as how teens often have their own devices and are allowed to keep their phones in their rooms. The conversation continues with the effects of chronic sleep deprivation on teenagers, including on academic performance and psychological effects such as depression and anxiety, as well as the health and safety implications, such as increased risk of car accidents.
Lastly, they recount the relationship between kids and ADHD, sleep deprivation, and medication. Specifically how teens not getting enough sleep can masquerade as ADHD, how stimulants used to treat ADHD can affect nighttime sleep, and the issue of hypersomnia. It suggests that parents look out for their children's sleep duration and snoring, and if their child is struggling, not to forget about sleep as it is important for their health and wellbeing.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode