Teenagers are instinctively night owls. Sleep-wake cycles for adolescents are biologically determined, and teenage bodies are programmed to stay up late and sleep later in the morning. The typical high school student's natural time to fall asleep is about 11 p.m., and most adolescents need 9 or 10 hours of sleep each night. In many Michigan high schools, first hour begins as early as 7 a.m., long before a teen's natural wake time.
Evidence suggests that many teenagers suffer from sleep loss. A recent survey revealed that only 15 percent of adolescents sleep 8.5 or more hours on school nights, and 26 percent sleep only 6.5 hours. Besides affecting academic performance and leaving teens feeling irritable and depressed, sleep loss is dangerous for young drivers. Every year, 100,000 auto accidents result from drowsy driving, and drivers under age 25 are involved in more than one-half of these crashes.
For the adolescent's sleep-wake cycle to stay on track, it is essential that teens maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. On weekends and vacations, go to sleep no more than an hour later, and wake no more than two or three hours later than during the week.
Sleep Disorders Center Henry Ford operates one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive sleep centers ...
Process to be Seen by a Sleep Specialist The following steps should be taken to be seen by a sleep specialist ...
School Start Times Get help at the Henry Ford Sleep Disorders Center ...
Founded in 1978 and located in Detroit Michigan, we are one of the oldest sleep centers in the nation and are considered among the leading sleep laboratories in the world. We consistently rank as one of the nation's top research facilities for the scientific study of sleep. We have extensive experience and knowledge in sleep research, and we treat more than 1,200 patients per year.
