The average sleep recommended for a teenager is 8 to 10 hours a night. However, the results of a recent study show that lack of sleep is a ...
The average sleep recommended for a teenager is 8 to 10 hours a night. However, the results of a recent study show that lack of sleep is a common problem in this age group.
To address the issues that contribute to and result in adolescent sleep disorders, researcher Sujay Kansagra, MD, published an article in Pediatrics that looked at factors such as poor sleep hygiene (i.e. habits that promote good sleep), circadian rhythm disorders and insomnia with more information. Data to support treatment strategies.
With regard to sleep hygiene, Kansagra notes that different changeable behaviors and environmental factors play a different role in sleep. The aspects of good sleep hygiene include a nightly routine; maintain a constant sleep schedule; Keep the sleeping environment cool and noiseless. and avoid sleep disorders like light and screen time.
The use of technology has also been explored in previous epidemiological studies that linked screen-related activities to sleep disorders. In a Canadian study , which also promoted healthy sleep as the primary behavior of the parents, restrictions on the screening time were cited as an important intervention by the parents.
In addition to sleep-promoting behaviors, biological factors also contribute to sleep disorders in adolescents, since the onset of puberty corresponds to a biological change in sleep time and a predisposition to a later cycle. Sleep-wake, notes Kansagra. Compared to post-pubertal and prepubertal adolescents, the homeostatic drive in this separate group is attributed to the fact that it takes longer to fall asleep and it is easier to stay awake. In addition, the secretion of melatonin shifts at a later time, which leads to a delay in the circadian rhythm.
"A delay in circadian physiology predisposes to a gap between a teenager's preferred sleep time and social needs like school," said Kansagra. This disagreement leads to the diagnosis of a sleep-wake phase disorder in up to 14% of the adolescent population.
Insomnia is an additional sleep disorder that often occurs in adolescents. The rates vary between 7% and 40% depending on the criteria used, notes Kansagra. In addition , increasing mental health problems in adolescents can expose these populations of psychophysiological (PI) insomnia, a common subtype of insomnia that is characterized by the inability to fall asleep or to fall asleep anxious or stressful thoughts in bed. Intellectual property can be a serious medical condition for those affected. Up to 88% of people with a history have persistent insomnia problems.
For the treatment of this chronic disease, cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia (CBTI) has been described as an effective treatment in adults, although less rigorous studies also indicate an advantage in adolescents. However, Kansagra notes that further studies to investigate CBTi are needed to determine the long-term benefits, ideal delivery method and comparison of cognitive behavior therapy with pharmacotherapy.
Kansagra points out that while milestones in understanding sleep mechanisms have been reached over the past four decades, the increase in sleep deprivation has coincided with these innovations. "With the growing literature supporting the role of good sleep health and effective treatment, there is an increased need to proactively screen adolescents for common sleep disorders," he said.
Kansagra led future initiatives, saying that future research is needed to understand which strategies best promote optimal sleep health in adolescents.
reference
Kansagra S. Sleep disorders in adolescents. 2020 pediatrics ; 145 (Suppl 2): S204-S209. doi: 10.1542 / peds.2019-2056I.
