This is Why Teens Need More Sleep Than the Average 25 Year-Old


It can lead to better health, growth and mental stability.

Tired teen? Your not the only one who can’t get their kid to wake up in the morning. 

In many, if not most parts of the United States, it’s a fact that school schedules aren’t in line with teenagers’ circadian rhythms. If your youth is starting school before 8 am, it’s likely that they aren’t getting enough sleep. Or, if they are, that it doesn’t feel “natural”, and bedtime is a bit forced.  

This is because teens have a “unique” waking and sleeping pattern, experts say. Their bodies naturally tell them to stay up a bit later, and to sleep in longer. Teens experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm as they mature, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11pm.  And they also need more sleep in total- about 9 to 9.5 hours a night. 

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Why is this? According to Michael Crocetti, M.D., M.P.H, a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins University, it’s all because of their brain. Teens are undergoing a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation, says Crocetti. The brain needs extra rest to support physical growth spurts and other emotional and mental development. 

The average 25 year-old, on the other hand, normally needs about anywhere from 7 to 9 hours of rest each night. 

Still having trouble letting your kids sleep late? Consider this. Crocetti says that when teens get enough sleep, it helps to protect them from developing depression and bad coping habits such as drug use.

So, why not go out and buy them a nice down duvet? And a new set of sheets. It’s worth the investment.  

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