Why Teen Drivers Need More Sleep?

Automobiles have become common among teenagers and driving license has become passport to the hospital. Many teen drivers are involved in car crashes due to sleep deficiency. Teen’s daily schedule will be almost messy.

They get up and complete their daily rituals, eat breakfast and run to school. After school, if they are participating in extra activities like music, dance, sports and other activities, they attend the classes in the evenings. [Teen Sleep]

After returning home, they have to complete their assignments and home works. They watch television, sit on computer and play video games late night. They will go to sleep in the late nights and will get up in the morning again for going to school. Therefore, the average sleep a teenager gets is 6.5 hours or less.

Teens always have busy schedules. Due to these busy schedules, teens always have sleep deficit. Teens with sleep deficit face the highest car crashes as they tend to drive the car with drowsiness.

This drowsy driving is the main cause of automobile accidents every year and teen drivers are particularly susceptible as they drive with much less sleep than they need.

How parents can help?

As a parent, you have to realize the tiredness and work schedules of your teen. Discuss with your teen and work for healthy sleep cycle for your teen.

• Impose a sleep schedule to your teen and check whether they are following.
• Talk to your teen about the negative consequences of sleep loss so that they will not be against you if you impose a sleep schedule.
• Make adjustments in your teen work schedule. If there are any extra activities after school, suggest your teen to reduce some of the activities so that they can come home early.
• Avoid your teen in watching too much television, playing video games and sitting on computer late nights.