Orebro University has reported that after changing their sleeping patterns over the weekends teens often show up in school jet lagged on Monday morning. This study was done by Serena Bauducco at Orebro University in Sweden.
In her thesis Bauducco shows that the mental well being of teens is affected when they do not get enough sleep. Teens who do not get adequate sleep have been found to be stressed out more and more worried than teens who get adequate sleep. Teens who do not get an adequate amount of sleep were also found to more often have their mobile phones or computers in bed with them.
It has also been shown by Bauducco that there is an association between difficulties with sleep and more absences from school. Teens who have problems with sleep were generally found to have as much as 33 percent more absences from school.
The teens with poor sleep actually seemed to suffer from jet lag at school on Monday mornings. This came from going to sleep later and waking up later over the weekend. Being tired and miserable at school seems to have a negative affect on learning for sleep deprived teens.
Some of the schools in Sweden have begun to start school later in order to help students better adjust their biological rhythms. It is hoped that more sleep in the morning will help these students do better in school.
The Orebro University journal reports that as sleep goes through vital changes during the time of adolescence many teens develop problems sleeping. The academic, physical and psychosocial functioning of teens may be harmed by sleep problems.
Sleep deficit has been found to be common in adolescents. This is associated with emotional and behavioral problems. Clearly the vital importance of adequate sleep for teens should be highlighted. Teens should be encouraged to lead a healthy active lifestyle, eat well, and get adequate sleep to help them maintain good health in body and mind and perform as well as possible in all realms of their lives.
