Daylight Savings Time (DST) is something that we have all been used to for a very long time, so it might not be something that we even think about in relation to our own physical health. But the truth is, younger folks are having a harder time engaging in regular patterns of sleep when the time changes occur. It might not seem like it, but DST actually has a hugely negative impact in a lot of ways. Let’s look at how DST is bad for teens.
Why DST is Bad for Teens
Your sleep specialist in NYC wants you to understand why DST is bad for teens and how you can help your child (and yourself) get in the habit of better sleeping patterns. If you or a loved one are dealing with circadian rhythm disorders, get in touch with our team to schedule a personal appointment right away.
We Are Getting More Sleep Deprived
Did you know that modern-day teenagers have some of the worst sleep health records in history? And it’s not necessarily their fault, but rather a result of this fast-moving technological society. What used to be a recommended norm of 8-10 hours of sleep per night is now turning into 6 – 8 hours for most kids. And while teens are getting some of the littlest sleep of their lives, they are going through a time where it is most vital for their brains to be functioning fully.
And thanks to Daylight Saving Time making it even more difficult than usual for teenagers to get up in the morning, it’s causing an even bigger sense of resistance. The body isn’t getting enough sleep, so the brain can’t be fully awake and attentive during the day. This is causing teens to perform worse in school, earn poorer grades, and be less likely to engage in healthy physical activity.
Why Sleep is Essential for Brain and Body Health
People spend about one-third of their entire lives sleeping. While it is something we do every night, we don’t often stop and think about just how important sleep is to overall bodily health. We need sleep in order to recharge important brain functions, such as maintaining communication between cells. Your brain controls the rest of your body’s functions, and if it is too exhausted, it can’t operate at full capacity. This could cause us to get into accidents, make more mistakes in our work, and just feel bad during the day.
Taking Steps Towards Better Sleep
A lot of schools are starting to allow kids to come to school a little bit later in the morning, so kids don’t have to get up before the sun does. Waking up early can cause grogginess, especially in teens whose bodies are still developing. The teenage years take up a lot of energy, both physically and mentally. It is important that your teenage child remains healthy and strong so they can conquer these next few years like a champion.
The next time your teenage child talks about Daylight Savings Time making the school days feel so much longer, they are speaking the truth. Shifting time back a whole hour could have some serious health repercussions on developing bodies that are trying their best to adapt to consistently changing scenarios.
Get On Top of Your Sleep Health Today
If your child gets into the habit of not getting enough sleep, that could cause some serious long-term health issues in the future. Conditions like sleep apnea and circadian rhythm disorders can make it difficult for the brain and body to communicate efficiently, resulting in a lack of focus and energy. It’s important that your child feels good about their physical and mental health while they go through these formative years. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how you can ensure that your child is getting a good night’s sleep every single night.
