We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Teenage Insomnia?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,103
Share

Teenage insomnia is a condition which affects the sleep patterns of teenagers. Insomnia is generally hallmarked by an inability to fall or stay asleep. Teens have a unique set of biological and external circumstances related to puberty, including hormonal surges, school pressures, emerging sexual feelings, and the building of social relationships. The prospect of being out on their own and living separate from their families can also cause anxiety and insomnia in some teens.

There are many potential causes and aggravating factors for teenage insomnia. First of all, many teen do not produce enough of the hormone melatonin during the early evening hours as adults and young children do, so it is harder for them to become relaxed enough for sleep until much later at night. This is in part due to the hormonal changes and imbalances that become quite common during adolescents.

Adding to the causes of teenage insomnia is the typical diet teens have. Many drink caffeine- and sugar-filled sodas several times a day. This can easily make falling asleep difficult. Teens also may not get enough exercise during the day, and doing half an hour of cardiovascular exercise may help promote better sleep by reducing stress and releasing endorphins into the bloodstream.

Stress is a common factor in teenage insomnia, and can lead to not only trouble falling asleep, but also to difficulties staying asleep. Worry can be caused by school stresses, extracurricular activities, friendships, and other relationships. Many teens also feel anxiety about what they will do with their lives after high school graduation, and getting into a good college may be causing stress.

Parents should encourage their teens to discuss any problems they are having with them or with a school guidance counselor. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and making organized and well thought-out plans may also help. Teachers and school advisers are an invaluable resource in helping students discovery their talents and finding ways to use them in everyday life. Teens may also benefit from learning meditating techniques, and using artistic forms of self-expression, such as creative writing or painting.

If teenage insomnia and anxiety become a real problem, or the teen becomes withdrawn, depressed, suffers from panic attacks, or has suicidal thoughts of feelings, intervention may be necessary. Speaking with a licensed counselor or therapist may be a good option, and medication may be needed. If bullying or drug use is a problem, these issues should be addressed right away to prevent them from escalating.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-teenage-insomnia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.