Sleeping habits put teens’ health at risk

Teens need around nine hours of sleep at night, although many aren’t getting near enough. Between heavy schedules, electronics and school demands teens’ sleep is interrupted constantly.

Schools across the country have been changing their start times to try to increase the hours of sleep teens get. Sleep studies have shown that it’s just a matter of creating good sleeping habits early and talking to teens about their routines.

Lack of sleep in teens can lead to mood swings, behavioral issues and many health risks, including diabetes and cancer.

“I just think a lot of it comes down to a lack of communication and awareness,” said Christina Finnerty, a nurse practitioner at the Idaho Falls Sleep Institute.”If people actually knew how important sleep was they would probably take more accountability for it.” “We’re the parents. We make the decisions. Even with teenagers you are still the parent. You still can set that expectation with them as long as your communicating and not just telling them what to do. So yes, re-establish that earlier bed time.”

For more information on how to track your sleep habits click here.