Teen Sleep Tips: Tech-Free Bedtime Routines Boost Rest and Academic Success

April 16, 2025
Teen Sleep Tips: Tech-Free Bedtime Routines Boost Rest and Academic Success
  • Denise Pope, a child development expert from Stanford University, emphasizes that teenagers benefit from bedtime routines similar to those of younger children.

  • Establishing a tech-free bedtime routine is crucial for improving sleep; experts suggest separating teens from devices at night to minimize distractions.

  • Winding down at night should start at least 30 minutes before sleep, with activities like reading or taking a warm shower, and notifications should be silenced.

  • To promote better sleep, it is advised to avoid caffeine and energy drinks in the afternoon and evening.

  • Creating an optimal sleep environment that is cool, dark, and quiet can support improved sleep for teenagers.

  • Parents are encouraged to provide traditional alarm clocks instead of allowing teens to use their phones as alarms.

  • Research indicates that nearly 80% of American teenagers are sleep-deprived, needing 8 to 10 hours of sleep according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Sleep deprivation among teens negatively impacts mental health and school attendance, leading to issues such as irritability and poor academic performance.

  • Drowsy driving is a significant risk for teens, with more accidents caused by lack of sleep than by alcohol consumption.

  • Professional sports teams are hiring sleep coaches to improve athletes' performance and recovery, highlighting the importance of sleep in physical health.

  • Weekend sleep-ins can indicate a lack of adequate sleep during the week; it is advised to limit extra sleep to a couple of hours to maintain a healthy body clock.

  • Limiting screen time at least an hour before bed can enhance melatonin release, promoting drowsiness.

Summary based on 5 sources


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