Sleep Problems in Teens

Good sleep is essential for health, safety and performance at school and in all your other activities, even sports and video games. If you think that you have a sleep disorder, or often experience sleep problems, you should tell your parents and your doctor.

Poor Sleep Habits:

*Do you drink lots of coffee or caffeinated soda to stay awake in class?
*Do you take long naps when you get home from school?
*Do you eat a big bedtime snack?

Untreated Sleep Disorders:

*Do you snore?
*Do you wake up out of breath?
*Are you excessively sleepy in the daytime?
*Do you have an urge to move your legs to relieve unpleasant feelings in them, especially at night?

These are symptoms of the most common sleep disorders. If you are concerned, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible!

Environment:

*Is your room is too hot or too cold?
*Is your room too bright?
*Is your room too noisy?
*Do you have any of the following distractions in your room: TV, computer, cell phone, video games?
*Do you use your bedroom for activities other than sleeping?

Medical Conditions and Pain:
*Do you have pain or discomfort from medical conditions or injuries?

Medications:

*Do you take decongestants?
*Do you use steroids?
*Are you on medication for asthma or depression?

Any of the above conditions can make it hard for you to get to sleep and stay asleep. Learn to manage, adjust or eliminate these factors in order to sleep better and make you feel healthy and alert!