The Huffington Post – Dr. Michael J. Breus
“When thinking about the factors that contribute to teenage drinking and drug use, sleep may not make many parents’ lists. But it should. New research investigating the relationship between sleep and substance use among adolescents has found that sleep troubles in teens can predict several problems related to drinking and drug use, including binge drinking and driving while under the influence…Sleep problems among teens, unfortunately, are nothing new. But according to new research, sleep among teenagers in the U.S. has grown worse over the past two decades…Despite their seemingly boundless energy — and propensity to stay up late at night — adolescents need more sleep than adults. The National Sleep Foundation recently updated its recommendations for sleep amounts, and advise that teenagers ages 13-17 should sleep between 8-10 hours a night…What can parents do? Make sleep a priority in the household — for everyone. The elements that make up a strong and healthy sleep routine for teenagers are the same fundamentals of sleep hygiene that are important at any age, including:”(more)