Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

2026-03-15

Help Your Teen Get the Necessary Sleep

Teens who are tired can’t do their best in school. And research shows that many teens are tired every day. One study found that 80 percent of teens weren't getting enough sleep.

Most middle and high schools start early in the morning. Teens' natural body rhythms make them want to stay up late at night. That means that students and families must make an active effort to ensure that the teens get the eight to 10 hours of sleep they need.

Here are some ways to help your teen:

Plan ahead. When does your teen have to leave the house in the morning? How long does it take your student to get ready? Now back up at least eight hours from that wake-up time to set a reasonable bedtime for your teen.
Teach time management. If your teen doesn’t open a book until 10:30 p.m., of course bedtime will be too late. Help your teen schedule a regular study time that will allows getting to bed at a reasonable hour.
Limit nighttime job hours. Some workplaces ask teen employees to close the store, which may keep them at work very late. When these teens do get home, they’re often up even later finishing schoolwork. Make sure your teen’s work schedule isn’t causing a problem in school.
Don’t allow too much sleeping in on weekends. Some teens zonk out until noon on the weekend days. Then they can’t go to sleep on Sunday night, can’t wake up on time on Monday morning and their sleep cycle is out of whack for another week. Limit extra sleep to an hour or two.

Brought to you by:

Lehigh Acres Middle School

[School Success Ideas for Families]