By Zoe Tsokou
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged among teenagers – sleep deprivation. This growing epidemic has raised alarms among parents, educators and healthcare professionals alike, as it poses significant risks to the overall well-being and academic performance of young individuals.
There are many contributing factors to this, whether it be academic pressure, extracurricular activities, social media or electronic devices that have contributed to this worrisome trend. This can make it especially hard to face the everyday challenges that come with adolescence.
According to recent studies, the majority of teenagers are not getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Instead, they are often sleep-deprived, with many reporting an average of 6-7 hours of sleep. This chronic lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, schools and communities are taking action to address teenage sleep deprivation. Some schools have adjusted their start times to allow for more sleep, acknowledging the impact it has on students’ well-being and academic performance. Additionally, educational programs and workshops are being implemented to educate teenagers about the importance of sleep and to provide them with strategies to improve their sleep habits.
The easy solution for parents may be to take their child’s phone away but by doing this they are also taking away their social presence and does not resolve the issue. Taking away a child’s phone may be a temporary solution to limit screen time, but it does not address the underlying causes of sleep deprivation. It is crucial to educate teenagers about the importance of sleep, establish consistent sleep routines and create a sleep-friendly environment.