Sleep is important because it helps fuel your brain and your body, and it keeps you refreshed. The right amount of hours each person should get at night ranges from 8 to 10 hours, and most teenagers don’t even get 5. 

There are a lot of downfalls with not getting enough sleep which includes the inability to concentrate, driving incidents, failing grades, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and even suicide attempts, headaches, etc. When you get the right amount of sleep, it helps you stay focused, it improves concentration, and improves your academic performance, decision-making, physical health, and development. Younger children who do not get enough sleep have higher health risks like obesity, type 2 diabetes, injuries, and poor mental health.  

Cause of sleep deprivation and ways to help it

Sleep deprivation is a big thing in teens and could be caused by hormonal time shifts, hectic after-school schedules, stress, light exposure, cell phones or any other electronic devices, and or sleep disorder. If you’re still having trouble sleeping in spite of your best efforts you should try learning a relaxing technique to help you wind down, avoid caffeine or sweets after dinnertime; make sure you’re not trying to do too much, avoid napping during the day, and avoid recreational drugs.

 These tips should help you but, if not, you should make an appointment with your family doctor because there could be underlying issues. 

How do I know I’m not getting enough sleep? 

 Signs that usually show that you are not  getting enough sleep are:

• Difficulty waking up in the morning 
• Trouble concentrating throughout the day
• Falling asleep during classes 
• Feeling moody or even depressed 

You should visit your doctor if: 

• your having trouble falling asleep 
• wake up earlier or throughout the night 
• feel like you have no energy even if you are getting enough sleep 
• are having trouble meeting your usual day activities 
• having feelings of sadness or depression 
• having worried feelings that make it hard to focus 
• often feel sick