Why Teens Need More Sleep Than Adults

Aaradhya S
Jan 15
2 min read

Introduction

Sleep might feel like something really boring, but it’s actually one of the most important things for teens. I remember when I used to hate sleep myself. Your body and brain are growing and changing, which means you need more sleep than adults. Getting enough rest can make a big difference in how you feel, think, and even how well you do in school.

How Much Sleep Do Teens Really Need?

Experts say teens should try to get 8–10 hours of sleep every night, while most adults need only 7–9 hours. The teen brain is super busy at night because it's processing emotions, building memory, and helping the body grow. Not getting enough sleep can make it harder to focus, remember things, and handle stress.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine tells us that sleep helps teens:

Improve memory and learning
Boost mood and emotional health
Strengthen the immune system
Grow properly during puberty

What Happens When Teens Don’t Get Enough Sleep

Missing sleep can cause:

Mood swings: Feeling really irritated, sad, or anxious
Poor focus: Hard to pay attention in class or finish homework
Weaker immune system: More likely to get sick
Slower growth and development: Sleep is when the body releases growth hormones

Even one night of bad sleep can make a teen feel groggy the next day, but long-term sleep loss can really affect mental and physical health.

Tips for Better Sleep

Getting enough sleep isn’t just about going to bed earlier—it’s about building healthy habits:

Set a bedtime that you’re going to follow: Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Limit screen time before bed: Phones, tablets, and TVs make it a lot harder to fall asleep. Try to get 30–60 minutes without screens before sleep.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Read a book, take a warm shower, or do some deep breathing.
Keep your bedroom cozy: A dark, quiet, and cool room helps you fall asleep a lot faster.

Final Thoughts

Sleep isn’t just “rest time,” but also brain and body time! Teens need more sleep than adults because their bodies are growing, their brains are learning, and their emotions are changing. By giving sleep more importance, you can improve your mood, focus, and overall health. So tuck in, turn off that phone, and give your brain the rest it deserves!