Sleep disorders are becoming more common in teenagers- study

Wednesday 12th September 2012

A stressful or restless night’s sleep would be expected to be more common amongst adults, not teenagers who don’t have to worry about work, mortgages and other important commitments. However, this trend has been identified by many psychiatrists in India, it has been revealed this week. Dr Ranjive Mahajan HoD of psychiatry at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) quotes that ‘’two out of three’’ of patients are teenagers who seek for consultation about sleep problems.

Lack of sleep does not only increase your tiredness but can lead to sleep disorders that can take the form of insomnia, restless leg syndrome and sleep apnoea among others. If these sleep disorders arise in teenage years they may progressively worsen in the future and affect cognitive functions more adversely if they are not treated or prevented. A slower cognitive function will induce poor memory, poor appetite, increased daytime sleeping and lack of focus. These functions are necessary for teenagers to help them to sustain their academic, physical and mental health.

Dr Mahajan suggests that the causes of sleep disorders amongst youngsters are unhealthy diet (increased consumption of caffeine, soft drinks and chocolate), lifestyle and technological distractions such as video games. Dr Sandeep Goel of Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) suggests that teenage sleep disorders are not only caused by the teenagers themselves but due to their parent’s lack of awareness about influencing their children’s lifestyles positively and lack of consultation about their children’s insufficient sleep.

If parents are able to pay more attention to their child’s sleep hygiene this can help the prevention of sleep disorders or them worsening. Parents should encourage their teenagers to keep a regular night-time routine, listen to soft and soothing music, read books and carry out light exercises such as going for a walk. These activities can help prepare you and your teenagers to settle down and unwind in the evening.

Tags: sleep teenagers

Category: Sleep Research

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