Most teenagers aren't getting enough sleep. Here's how to fix it.

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Sleep's a FREE performance-enhancer, so why are so many teens not getting enough?

For us parents, sleep is the thing we all obsess about when we first bring our babies home, but if you're anything like me by the time they hit teens we've become pretty lax around that solid bedtime routine. In fact, research shows that around 2/3rds of teenagers aren't getting adequate sleep.

Why does this happen? In my case, I was exhausted from years of implementing a solid routine and they had become more interesting, so I wanted to spend more time with my kids in the evening. They were also busy doing other things; sports, socialising, homework.

Mostly, I think it's not a goal we target or brag about, so it becomes the silent victim of our busy lives.

That's why I decided it was time to talk to an expert (and parent who's navigated this) on sleep.

In this conversation Jessica Bryant of the Better Sleep Council helps us parents really think about our family attitude to sleep, how to support our teens in getting the amount they need, and to problem-solve your struggles.

Thanks to all of you lovely listeners who sent in your questions.

Jessica Bryant Sleep Happy Consulting

https://www.sleephappyconsulting.com/

The original sleep episode:

https://www.teenagersuntangled.com/sleep-the-free-fix-for-our-teens-with-no-side-effects/

RESEARCH: 

Showed insufficient sleep on an average school night was reported by 68.9% of students. It was associated with higher odds of current use of cigarettes, marijuana, current sexual activity, seriously considered attempting suicide, feeling sad or hopeless, physical fighting, not being physically active:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21843548/

Cross-national variations in adolescent sleep patters:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375375396_Cross-National_Variations_in_Adolescent_Sleep_Patterns_A_Time-Use_Study?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Please don't hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist if you're not coping. There's no shame in reaching out for support. When you look after yourself your entire family benefits.

My email is teenagersuntangled@gmail.com 
My website has a blog, searchable episodes, and ways to contact me:
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You can reach Susie at www.amindful-life.co.uk