Why Do Teenagers Sleep So Much?

During the week, I get up at 6, and I'm at school by 7:20; but on the weekends, I sleep in. Like really late. Like 1pm late. And it' heaven. The weekends are the only time I actually feel well-rested, and the only time I can survive without an energy drink. Seriously, I've fallen asleep in first period before because I hadn't had my caffeine.

And in my experience, my parents get a little annoyed when I sleep away half of my Saturday. But it's not all my fault. Sure, I stay up late on Friday nights reading and watching TV, but as a teen, I've also experienced a shift in what's called my circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is basically the body's internal clock, and that "master clock" is found in the superchiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in our brains. The SCN controls the release of melatonin, which in teens occurs closer to 11pm. Teens also need more sleep than they did when they were younger because they need support for physical and mental growth.

I may be slightly biased (I do love sleeping), but sleep is so so SO important for teens for a variety of reasons. Studies have shown that overtired teens do worse in school, often falling asleep in class and getting poorer grades. Also, teens who don't get the recommended 9.5-10 hours of sleep are more prone to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Overtired teens are also more involved in car crashes. Sleep is vital for the brain and body's function.

Here are a few things that a chronic lack of sleep can lead to: a weakened immune system, increased risk of high blood pressure, chronic pain, depression, and even memory loss.

Basically, let teenagers sleep. We all need sleep, adults too, but teenagers especially. We're undergoing a lot of hormonal and physical changes, and the way our body deals with that is to shift its internal clock. We go to bed later and wake up later. Schools often start too early and we're given too much homework a night to get the appropriate amount of sleep. I'm not protesting the way public education is done, but as teens, we need to make sure we're putting our health and bodies first. And that includes sleep. So, if you need that extra hour or six on the weekends, take it. Get all the Z's you need to be well-rested and fully functional. I don't want anyone getting into car crashes because they're too tired to be driving.

Sources: https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2528821/, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/teenagers-and-sleep-how-much-sleep-is-enough#:~:text=According%20to%20Johns%20Hopkins%20pediatrician,cognitive%20maturation%2C%E2%80%9D%20explains%20Crocetti.