Are you finding it challenging to get your teenagers out of bed on weekends? It’s not just teens, even adults enjoy catching up on sleep during weekends. However, a recent study suggests that it might actually be beneficial for teenagers to get some extra sleep on weekends.
The study involved 1,877 teenagers who wore Fitbit Activity trackers to monitor their sleep patterns. They were also asked to fill out surveys about their mental health. The results showed that teenagers who got moderate extra sleep on weekends, defined as up to two extra hours, had lower chances of experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Teenagers require more sleep than adults to support their developing brains and bodies. While adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night, teenagers aged 13-18 should aim for between 8-10 hours. Unfortunately, only 23% of high school students meet this recommended sleep duration, according to CDC data.
Many teenagers try to make up for lost sleep by sleeping in on weekends. Finding the right balance is crucial, as sleeping too much or too little on weekends can have negative effects on mental health. It’s important to strike the right balance and not oversleep on weekends, as this can lead to fatigue and anxiety.
So, next time your teen wants to sleep in on Saturday morning, consider letting them do so. It could benefit their mental health in the long run.