picture of teen asleep in class for which our student sleep resources can help

Student Sleep Resources

Teens today are not getting enough sleep which can affect their health and performance at school.  On this page you’ll find a variety student sleep resources including tips, recommendations, and links to more in depth information.

A) Students not getting enough sleep

Students not getting enough sleep:

The sleep deprivation epidemic among teens (American Academy of Pediatrics):

  • 73% of high school students across 30 states are not getting enough sleep
  • 58% of middle school students surveyed not meeting sleep recommendations

Read more

Many health-risk behaviors are associated with poor teen sleep (National Sleep Foundation):

  • Drinking soft drinks
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Excessive computer use
  • Getting in fights
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Smoking marijuana
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Sexual activity
  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Seriously considering suicide

Read more

Why teenagers are not getting enough sleep (Nationwide Children’s Hospital):

  • Shift in sleep schedule – After puberty, there is a biological shift in an adolescent’s internal clock of about 2 hours.
  • Early school start times – Some high schools start as early as 7:00 AM.
  • Too many obligations – Homework, sports, after-school, and socializing lead to late bedtimes.

Read more

B) How much sleep does my child need?

How much sleep does my child need?

How much sleep someone needs depends on their age:

  • 6–12 years should regularly sleep 9–12 hours
  • 13–18 years should sleep 8–10 hours

C) Tips to help students sleep better

Tips to help students sleep better:

Get adequate sleep

Make sure you’re getting what your body needs

Physical activity

30 to 60 minutes multiple times a week can lead to better sleep

Limit caffeine intake

Soda pops and energy drinks may be popular among teens, but they should be avoided in the evening.

Avoid going to bed hungry

Try a light healthy snack

Avoid nicotine

It’s not just cigarettes these days, vaping has become popular among teens. The nicotine from both can disturb sleep.

Maintain a regular pre-bedtime routine

Activities such as light reading and relaxing music can help them prepare for sleep.

Set up a great bedroom environment

Keep it cool, dark, and quiet

Limit electronic screens at bedtime

Computer games, going online, or watching their favorite TV show can make it harder to fall asleep.

Smart phones, tablets, and TV screens emit bright blue light which has been shown to interfere with body’s natural sleep-wake cycles.

Maintain a regular sleep schedule

To keep their sleep cycles on track, they should go to bed and wake up the same time everyday.

Avoid sleeping in on the weekends

Sleep in too late on Saturday and Sunday can make it hard to stay on schedule Sunday night.

Try afternoon naps

Short naps in the early afternoon may be beneficial.

Get help

If they’re having ongoing problems falling asleep, snoring, or overtired during during the day, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.

D) Sleep disorders in kids & adolescents

Sleep disorders in kids & adolescents:

E) More student sleep resources

More student sleep resources:

F) Organizations

Organizations:

Connect with us:

About Us

Better Sleep Simplified® was founded as a place for you to get clear and well-researched information.

Our goal is to make sure you know about your options so that you take action sooner rather than later.

Read More

Sleep Checklist 

Find out what you're doing right and what to change

Check it out

Sleep Library: 

Watch and Learn

Hear from experts, sleep specialists, people with insomnia, and others

Explore

Newsletter Sign Up

Get the latest ideas to improve your sleep

Subscribe

Affiliate Disclosure

This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to them.

More details here

Important:  BetterSleepSimplified.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always consult a physician for sleep and health concerns.  See additional information.