Lack of sleep is common in teens.
Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, reports that approximately 40 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation and 60 percent of adults admit problems sleeping more than a few nights a week. Insufficient sleep is rarely beneficial. The only benefits of not sleeping enough are immediate. The extra hours can lead to more productivity for the day and more work is accomplished than if the individual went to sleep. The long-term effects, however, can cause health problems and lessened productivity in the long run.
Physical Effects
Various studies have shown many physical effects of lack of sleep. An insufficient amount of sleep can disrupt hormones that affect appetite. Too little sleep can lead to an increased chance of obesity. A Nurses' Health Study from Harvard has shown an increased risk for breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes and colon cancer. Less serious effects include an increase in blood pressure, a decrease in the "functioning of the lining inside blood vessels" and lack of energy, according to the Washington Post.
Mental Effects
Sleep deprivation can also lead to temporary mental defects. One mental effect of lack of sleep is sleepiness that will last throughout the day. Extreme sleepiness can become dangerous when driving or working with heavy machinery. Sleepiness can also lead to irritability, anxiety, lack of motivation and restlessness. Sleep deprivation can be risky for students and workers because the fatigue can cause forgetfulness, lack of coordination, distractibility and attention deficits. Extreme fatigue can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, hallucinations and fainting.
Effects on Teens
Adolescents are "biologically driven to sleep longer and later than adults do," according to the American Psychological Association. Lack of sleep in teens is common due to early mornings for school, busy afternoons with after-school activities and evenings filled with homework and other obligations. These cases of insufficient sleep can cause disciplinary problems, decreased performance in academic studies and lack of concentration in classes. Because early-morning classes can be important parts of the day, it is crucial that teens sleep sufficiently.
Recommended Amount of Sleep
Individual requirements for hours of sleep vary. Some people claim they feel well rested, while others with the same amount of sleep may feel exhausted. The average recommended amount of sleep involves "16 hours of wakefulness and. . . an average of eight hours of sleep a night," according to the American Psychological Association. Some may pass with around six hours of sleep, while others may need 10.
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