Thread: Insomnia among teenagers - how common is it?

i have to say it's very common for teenagers. this is actually lifestyle-driven.

Most teens do not get enough sleep because there is too much to do during the day and they never have enough time to do it. This sleep deficit manifests itself in their lack of concentration and in fatigue. Drug addiction can also manifest itself in sleep deprivation.

Do teenagers have greater sleep problems than children younger than them? I am not too sure about that. I would think that since they are so active during the day - the only reason they may sleep less is because they are busy doing something at night also.Maybe the computer or the games keep them awake longer and they get much less rest.

I don't know the statistics but my own experience tells me that insomnia is much more common among teenagers than other age groups. I'd say there are several reasons:
- the energy level of teenagers is much higher due to hormon storms
- there seems to be so many things to do and they are so eager to live and experience that resting seem like a waste of time
- it is an age of constant dreaming and building pictures in your mind about the future that keep teenagers awake

Of course, these are just a few reasons...

I don't know the statistics but my own experience tells me that insomnia is much more common among teenagers than other age groups. I'd say there are several reasons:
- the energy level of teenagers is much higher due to hormon storms
- there seems to be so many things to do and they are so eager to live and experience that resting seem like a waste of time
- it is an age of constant dreaming and building pictures in your mind about the future that keep teenagers awake

Of course, these are just a few reasons...

Sleep insomnia has nothing to do with the amount of phyisical activity for me. If I'm excited for something nothing will make me sleep. It doesnt matter if I just run a marathon, if the persons insomnia didn't come from thinking, and maybe if the sleep problem was something like they can't keep still and that's why they can't sleep, maybe physical exercise would help.

Just my $0.02

Here's a little info I came across:

Causes of Insomnia in Teenagers

At the onset of puberty, a person's body clock changes. Before adolescence, this clock directs the person to naturally fall asleep around 8 or 9 pm. For teens, though, this time is delayed two hours or later.

Moreover, as this age is usually the time of exploration and discovery among teens, this is when they start drinking, smoking, and staying out late with their friends. They may also start drinking coffee to stay alert during the day. These habits, though, can cause or aggravate insomnia in teenagers and may give rise to other sleep disorders.

Stress in school, like peer pressure, school performance, and relationship with teachers can also contribute to insomnia.

Some cases of insomnia, though, can start as early as childhood and continue up to the teenage years. Insomnia in children usually occurs when the child has become dependent on a person or condition that he/she associates with sleep - for example, a parent. Without that, these children have a hard time sleeping.

I would have posted a link but Im not allowed as a new member

Here's a little info I came across:

Causes of Insomnia in Teenagers

At the onset of puberty, a person's body clock changes. Before adolescence, this clock directs the person to naturally fall asleep around 8 or 9 pm. For teens, though, this time is delayed two hours or later.

Moreover, as this age is usually the time of exploration and discovery among teens, this is when they start drinking, smoking, and staying out late with their friends. They may also start drinking coffee to stay alert during the day. These habits, though, can cause or aggravate insomnia in teenagers and may give rise to other sleep disorders.

Stress in school, like peer pressure, school performance, and relationship with teachers can also contribute to insomnia.

Some cases of insomnia, though, can start as early as childhood and continue up to the teenage years. Insomnia in children usually occurs when the child has become dependent on a person or condition that he/she associates with sleep - for example, a parent. Without that, these children have a hard time sleeping.

I would have posted a link but Im not allowed as a new member