What is sleep and why do we need it?
What is sleep? It is a natural state during which our energy metabolism slows. In humans and other mammals, our energy metabolism is reduced by around 10 percent. Our body temperature and caloric demand also decline during sleep. This conserves our energy resources. Scientists consider sleep to be part of the inactivity theory, and they have hypothesized that it plays a role in preventing diseases. Everybody wondering that how does sleep affect mental health, The answer is “The quality and duration of sleep are directly related to our physical and mental health”.
when you don’t sleep well you impair social intelligence, which impacts our ability to recognize others’ emotions and expressions. In a recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers looked at how the subjects responded to emotional stimuli and found that emotional empathy decreased. Sleep is an essential part of the process of brain development and maintenance. When we sleep, our brains reorganize and clear out toxins. Sleep is also vital for our immune system.
The consequences of not getting enough sleep
- Lack of sleep can negatively affect your mood, memory, and average health. There are several consequences of sleep deprivation, including poor memory and reduced reaction time. For more information, download the infographic below. Even if you’re getting a sufficient amount of sleep, these consequences can have a detrimental effect on your mood and overall health.
- People who don’t get enough sleep face an increased risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. In addition, a lack of sleep may affect your ability to focus or concentrate. The effects of chronic insomnia may last a lifetime. If you suffer from chronic insomnia, you need to seek medical help to avoid these long-term consequences. You can also consult with a medical professional to discuss any changes in your prescription medications.
How much sleep do teenagers require?
Teens who get between eight and nine hours of sleep each night had the lowest rates of mental health problems. In addition, sleep is essential for the formation of new neural pathways in the brain. Teenagers’ brains also develop during deep sleep, causing the production of hormones that promote normal, healthy growth. Moreover, teens need enough sleep to function well throughout the day. The right amount of sleep for teens depends on their age and physical activity. It is best to go to bed at the same time each night. In addition to getting sufficient sleep, teenagers should also engage in activities that help them relax.
Teen mental health and sleep
- The relationship between sleep and mental health in adolescence is well known. Sleep is an important aspect of adolescence for both current and future health. Sleep problems are a common occurrence in adolescents. As many as 92% of people who suffer from depression also have sleep issues.
- Sleep is a crucial part of a healthy mind and body. The emotional regulation circuit of the brain is affected by lack of sleep. People who aren’t rested are more receptive to negative stimuli while well rested individuals can shrug off these situations. Lack of sleep is known to lower the threshold for suicidal behaviors.
- Teen mental health and sleep are vital for a healthy body and mind. Proper sleep helps the body heal and grow. Teens undergo normal hormonal changes and are more likely to experience mental health issues than adults. Teens also face increased responsibilities and more difficult challenges in school and home. Teens need a lot of rest so that they can function at their highest potential.
How can parents help their teens get enough sleep?
- Setting regular bedtime and wake-up times can make it easier for teens to fall asleep at night. Count back eight hours from school start time to make sure that your child will have the same sleep cycle each day. Set a firm bedtime and wake-up time on weekends.
- Avoid allowing your teenager to sleep in on weekends, as this can disrupt the weekly schedule.
- Keeping the bedroom cool and dark is important for sleep promotion.
- Avoid keeping electronics in the room, which could distract them from sleeping.
- Another effective way to encourage sleep is to ask your teenager about their sleeping habits.
- One of the most important things a parent can do to support their child’s sleeping habits is to set an example. Set a good example by avoiding activities that require high energy within three hours before bedtime.
- Encourage your teenager to participate in physical activity, and cut down on activities that will keep them up late at night. As much as possible, try not to let your teenagers feel left out. Your child will likely appreciate the extra exercise and will follow your lead.
The best type of beds for your teen to get better sleep
If you’re looking for the best type of beds for teenager, there are many different options available. You should consider the firmness level and comfort level of the mattress to ensure your teen will get a good night’s sleep. For the most part, firm mattresses are more comfortable for back sleepers, while those who sleep on their sides will probably enjoy a softer mattress. Most parents purchase twin-sized beds for their teenagers. The twin is inexpensive and gives your teen the flexibility to choose between twin and full-sized mattresses. Additionally, twin-sized beds can be easily converted to bunk beds, if necessary. If you want to give your teen the best possible sleep, look for a mattress that accommodates their height.
Conclusion
One of the most important things to remember when trying to make sure your teenager gets enough sleep is to establish a strict curfew for school nights. While this might lead to tense exchanges between you and your teenager, it will also ensure that your teenager gets home in time to finish his or her homework and get to bed at a reasonable hour.
