Teens and sleep, are they getting enough?

The older my son gets the more I forget he's still experiencing growth spurts.  He's taken over many of the duties I used to perform which gave me free access to his body.  (Thank heaven!)  So I don't notice most of the changes going on, except in his voice, facial hair, height, and clothing sizes.

The only thing not changed over these many years is his attitude.  I can tell when he hasn't been eating well or getting enough rest.  Just like when he was younger there are temper tantrums and talking back episodes that indicate a problem.

Some would say this is normal for teenagers because they are trying to "find themselves" or learning independence.  But I say hogwash, when this happens I think if my teen needs to find anything it's respect and a nap.

I've tried to be lenient about bed time on the weekends, but Monday mornings just turned into a battle ground.  I've even allowed all night movie nights once every few years, and that is only if I'm prepared for the consequences.  It will take my son at least three days of regular sleep to make up for those nights.

What do you think, are teens getting enough rest?

photo credit: Racchio

3 comments:

  1. This is so true! I've recently had to 'put' my 15 year old to bed at 8 pm after a challenging day. It took a bit to realize that it was because he was tired that he was acting out, as he has done since he was a baby. So, I tucked him in and read him a book, he thought it was kind of weird, but I know he liked it. He slept great and woke up sweet again! Thanks for the good post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a teen, I am 15, and have been SO tired lately. I go to bed at 10, and walk up around 6-8 depending on how I am feeling. Last, year, I got up around 6:00 (same bed time) EVERY day to get some reading done before school. Now it's everything I have to get up before 8, when school starts. (homeschooled)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes, most teens are woefully sleep deprived. Thanks for drawing the connection that moodiness could be a result of that.

    ReplyDelete