How to help your teenager get enough sleep -- and how much they need

Apnews - Apr 16th, 2025

Today's teenagers are facing a significant sleep deprivation crisis, with nearly 80% of American adolescents not getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep per night. This lack of sleep is impacting their mental health, school attendance, and overall well-being. Experts like Denise Pope from Stanford University emphasize the importance of establishing tech-free bedtime routines for teens. By removing digital distractions and implementing consistent sleep schedules, parents can help their teenagers significantly improve their sleep quality and, consequently, their mental and physical health.

The implications of teenage sleep deprivation are far-reaching, affecting mood, cognitive function, and decision-making abilities. Sleep-deprived teens are more prone to depression, anxiety, and risky behaviors such as drowsy driving. Educating teens on the benefits of sleep can foster their willingness to change habits. Researchers like Wendy Troxel and Kyla Wahlstrom stress that improved sleep leads to better academic and athletic performance, reduced risk of injuries, and overall healthier lifestyles. This issue's significance is highlighted by its connection to broader mental health challenges among adolescents.

Technology Teenagers Mental Health Stanford University Sleep Deprivation Denise Pope Bedtime Routines

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RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of teenage sleep deprivation, offering valuable insights and practical solutions. It is well-supported by credible sources and presents information in a clear and engaging manner. The article effectively highlights the public interest in this topic, addressing both the challenges and potential remedies for improving adolescent sleep habits.

While the article is accurate and relevant, it could benefit from greater transparency and a broader range of perspectives. Including more detailed explanations of the studies cited and incorporating viewpoints from teenagers and parents would enhance its depth and balance. Additionally, interactive elements could increase reader engagement and provide further resources for those interested in the topic.

Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness about the importance of sleep for teenagers and offers practical advice that can positively impact readers' lives. Its strengths lie in its clarity, relevance, and potential to inform and influence public opinion on a critical health issue.

Accuracy

The article demonstrates a high level of factual accuracy, with most claims well-supported by credible sources. For instance, the assertion that teenagers need between eight and 10 hours of sleep is consistent with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The claim that nearly 80% of American teenagers are not meeting these sleep requirements is also supported by various studies on adolescent sleep patterns. However, the article could provide more specific data or references to strengthen its claims about the exact percentage of sleep-deprived teenagers and the precise impacts on mental health and school performance. Overall, the article's factual claims are largely accurate and verifiable.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by discussing both the problem of teenage sleep deprivation and practical solutions. It includes perspectives from multiple experts, such as Denise Pope and Wendy Troxel, which adds depth to the discussion. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of viewpoints, such as those from teenagers themselves or parents, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. While the article does not exhibit overt bias, including a wider array of perspectives would enhance its balance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in clear, accessible language. It logically flows from discussing the problem of sleep deprivation to offering practical solutions. The use of subheadings helps organize information effectively, making it easy for readers to follow. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of certain terms, such as 'melatonin' or 'sleep deprivation,' to ensure comprehension for a broader audience. Despite these minor issues, the article is generally clear and easy to understand.

Source quality

The sources referenced in the article are credible and authoritative, including experts from reputable institutions like Stanford University and the University of Pittsburgh. The article also cites well-known organizations like the CDC, which lends additional credibility to its claims. However, the article could improve by directly linking to studies or reports mentioned, providing readers with direct access to the original data. Overall, the quality of sources is high, contributing to the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article is moderately transparent, clearly stating its affiliation with the Associated Press and its focus on wellness topics. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the statistics and studies mentioned. For example, while the article cites the percentage of sleep-deprived teenagers, it does not specify the study or survey from which this data is derived. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility by allowing readers to understand the basis of the claims more fully.