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How much sleep do teenagers need?
So how much sleep do teenagers need, and how do sleeping patterns work? Find out more in this article.
© University of Reading
Sleep is another essential component of day to day living, and it’s a behaviour that changes throughout childhood.
So how much sleep do teenagers need, and how do sleeping patterns work? About eight to ten hours sleep is about right for most teenagers.
The amount of sleep we want and need is influenced by an internal biological ‘clock’ known as a ‘circadian rhythm’.
During adolescence the circadian rhythm changes quite dramatically.
- Most teenagers have a shift in the time at which they feel sleepy. Their natural rhythm is to go to sleep late and wake up late. Most teenagers are owls rather than larks.
- However, this does not match well with the usual school timetable.
- As a result, during school and working weeks most teenagers do not get enough sleep.
© University of Reading
This article is from the online course:
Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People
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Understanding Depression and Low Mood in Young People
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