I’ve always been a bit of a sleep enforcer. You know the type—the mom who can’t help but loudly whisper, “Get that little one to bed!” when I see you out with your toddler at a late-night movie or fancy restaurant. I also can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I spot your preschooler dozing off during a playdate at the crack of nine in the morning. And when you casually share that your elementary-aged kids often stay up until midnight—just like you and your partner—I can’t help but think, “Have you lost your mind?”
Why is this such a big deal? Because countless studies highlight the vital connection between sleep, overall health, and academic performance. A recent study even points out that sleep-deprived teens are more prone to dabbling in alcohol and marijuana.
Put simply, kids need more sleep than adults—much more. Their minds and bodies are still growing, and it’s crucial for parents to support this process by making sure they get enough rest. While adults can usually function on 7-8 hours of sleep each night, infants may need as much as 18 hours. Even toddlers require between 12 and 13 hours, while school-aged children need around 9 to 10 hours. And yes, despite their protests, teens should stick to a similar schedule. If they need to be up at 6:45 a.m. for an 8 a.m. school start, they ought to be tucked in by 10 p.m.
Interestingly, some high schools in the U.S. recognized the link between sleep and academic success and decided to push back school start times. The result? Higher GPAs for many students simply because they were getting more sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends that middle and high schools shouldn’t start classes before 8:30 a.m., yet around 40% of schools still kick off the day before 8:00 a.m.
Sleep deprivation doesn’t just impact your child’s mood (and let’s be honest, cranky kids are no fun); it also messes with their cognitive abilities and can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Tired kids often struggle to focus and remember lessons, and they tend to overeat due to hormone fluctuations that come with fatigue. This leads them to reach for sugary snacks and constant energy boosts throughout the day—think of it as their version of an adult coffee break. The outcome? Their weight can gradually creep up.
I’ll admit, I was a bit strict about sleep routines when my kids were younger. I rarely veered from their nap schedules or bedtimes, even on weekends. Sometimes, we’d skip social gatherings if they threatened my kids’ precious sleep time. I received a lot of curious looks and questions like, “Don’t you feel like a prisoner in your own home? Why can’t they just sleep in the car? They’re kids! They’ll be fine!” Sure, I let them nap in the car occasionally, but I generally chose to stay home when sleep called.
This commitment actually gave me more freedom in the long run. With a consistent sleep schedule, my kids naturally regulated their bodies, allowing me to plan my work, errands, and even date nights more effectively. They would fall asleep like clockwork every afternoon, sometimes napping for three hours! By 8 p.m., they were ready for bed, and it was smooth sailing from there—just a book, a prayer, a kiss, and lights out. After we got past the teething and occasional nighttime fears, they rarely woke up during the night. In fact, I can count on one hand how many times my youngest has needed me in the last four years.
Thanks to this routine, we all sleep better. For years, my kids woke up around 6:30 a.m., and I joined them, even on weekends—a small price to pay for such consistency. Now, at 7 and 11, they usually go to bed around 8 and 9 p.m. and sleep until 7 a.m. or later. It’s still working like a charm.
So yes, I remain a sleep enforcer, not just for my well-being, but for their development too. For more insights on parenting and health, check out our other blog posts like this one, and for expert advice on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. If you’re looking for additional resources on pregnancy, News Medical offers excellent information.
Summary
Ensuring your teens get enough sleep is vital for their growth, mood, and academic success. While adults manage with less, teens need 8 to 10 hours a night, and establishing a consistent bedtime can lead to better overall health.