Signs & Symptoms of being sleep deprived:
- More acne than usual
- Not being able to pay attention (listening, problem-solving)
- Mood swings
- Over-eating/not eating healthy
- Over-worrying, stressed
- Heightened use of and effects of alcohol
- Nervous, tense
- Unhappy, depressed
- Feeling hopeless about the future
73% – Of teenagers who reported feeling sad, unhappy or depressed also reported not getting enough sleep or feel excessively sleepy over the course of the day (National Sleep Foundation Poll, 2006).
58% – Of respondents in the same poll were likely to say they over-worried.
64% – Of teenagers reported cutting back on the hours they slept to complete work that needed to be done (Statistics Canada General Social Survey, 2005)
According to the National Sleep Foundation, Teens should be getting at least 8.5 – 9.25 hours of sleep every night in order for their brain & body development to be maintained.
Factors Related to being sleep-deprived:
- Increased use of social media devices
- Limited concentration span (Forgetfulness)
- Lower Academic Performance
- Anxiety, Depression, General Irritability
- Eating disorders (e.g. Binge-eating)
- Sleep Disorders (e.g. Insomnia; Bruxism {clenching/grinding of teeth}; Sleep Apnea)
- Family Stress and Violence
For further information of sleep, consider the following references:
The Canadian Sleep Society – Sleep in Adolescents Brochure (2005)
The Canadian Sleep Society – “Healthy Sleep Habits Promote Better Health and Wellbeing in Growing Children” (Published March 1, 2013)
The Canadian Sleep Society – Education & Information (2013)
CanWest News Service – “Teens not as lazy as thought, StatsCan: Feeling stressed out, overworked and underpaid? If so, you may have something in common with your teenage children” (Published May 23, 2007)
The Globe and Mail – “A good night’s sleep makes everyone sharper, healthier and calmer – especially teens” (Published February 15, 2013)
Kids Help Phone – Sleep webpage (Last updated February, 2011)
National Sleep Foundation – Teens and Sleep (2013)
Relay Health – Sleep Disorders in Children (Published December, 2012)
____
Developed with help from Michelle Lincoln [High School Student] @
Dr. Kiran Pure and Associates Ltd
90 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1H6
902.444.3669 Email: drpure@drpureandassociates.com
www.drpureandassociates.com
© Kiran Pure, PHD (R0510;NS)
