Eat/Sleep Cluster

In the teenage years, puberty means teenagers feel tired approximately two hours later in the evening. They may not fall to sleep until around midnight, but are still expected to wake early in the morning for school. This means most teenagers are not sleeping for the recommended 8-10 hours a night. This can significantly affect mood, behaviour and academic performance. 

Be mindful that strategies and techniques that worked during the school-age years may be too controlling or demanding in adolescence. It is important to identify opportunities where you can foster their independence and allow them to manage their own sleep schedule and bedtime routine. It is also important to note that there is an increased demand on teenage time that can affect their sleep schedule (e.g. increased social demands, homework, participating in sports and after-school activities).