Sleep Problems In Adolescence
Sleep problems in adolescence are usually quite frequent, especially because the hours of rest that the body in full development needs are not respected. The quality of sleep influences brain maturation, which in adolescents goes through an essential stage.
From puberty until the age of 18 or 20, the brain is in a phase of creating neural networks. These changes are highly significant for healthy development in the future, both mentally and emotionally.
Sleep problems in adolescence are most commonly associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders. However, if normal sleep patterns are considered, it is appreciated that imbalances can be linked to the simple lack of healthy habits.
A sum of nights without adequate rest will most likely end up generating a sleep deficit. This, in turn, affects adolescents and produces greater difficulty in concentration and study, as well as a deterioration in their social relationships and mood.
Physiological processes during sleep
Five phases of sleep are distinguished , which in turn repeat themselves cyclically. Phases 1 and 2 are rather transitional between wakefulness and sleep. Here, the body begins to slow down its heart and breathing rates, along with body temperature and eye movements.
Phases 3 and 4 are vital for the release of growth hormones, it is deep and restful sleep. Meanwhile, phase 5 is called REM, and is characterized by rapid eye movements; In this phase, the muscles are activated and the metabolism speeds up. This is where narrative or vivid dreams take place.
Each cycle covers a period of about three hours. In teens, these cycles should be repeated three to four times a night. This biological need, in turn, is inscribed in a certain part of the day.
In adolescents, the moment in which the body demands rest occurs later than in adults and children. Also, more hours of sleep are required in the morning.
Sleep problems in adolescents occur when they go to bed too late, relative to how early they will need to be up the next day. Why does this problem occur and what are its possible consequences?
Why do teens stay up late?
The reason young people go to bed late is often simply because they are not sleepy. The adolescent’s heart rate experiences a new balance that leads to falling asleep later at night and getting up later in the morning.
Although the ideal, according to school hours, would be to go to sleep at 9 or 10 pm and wake up at 6 am, this would be unnatural for those who are passing through this stage of life. It happens that the modification of the heart rate causes the rest hormone melatonin to be produced later, around 11 pm
All this indicates that the sleep problem in adolescents is caused by a culture that does not respect people’s vital rhythms. Structured for work and consumption, biological needs associated with health are out of any program.
If schools ceased to be mere redoubts to contain young people, forcing them to schedules that threaten full development, today we would not speak of sleep disorders or attention deficits in children and young people.
What if teenage sleep problems are chronic?
In adults, lack of sleep can cause all kinds of accidents. In fact, 50% of car accidents are caused by people under 25 with sleep problems. Specifically, what organic alternations cause sleep problems in adolescents?
Stress from lack of sleep raises cortisol levels; This causes glucose homostasis to decline, which can cause type 2 diabetes, obesity, or Cushing’s syndrome.
Other common causes of sleep problems in teens:
- Insomnia.
- Reflux.
- Restless legs syndrome.
- Nightmares.
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- Somnambulism.
- Narcolepsy
Prevention of sleep problems in adolescents
When tiredness comes from bad habits in the routine, it is best to promote long-lasting sleep through a change in habits. A healthy diet, daily sports, less use of electronic screens and enjoyable reading can help prevent sleep problems in adolescence.
