As many as 45 per cent of teenagers are sleep deprived according to recent international research.*
Child psychologist Professor Paula Barrett from the Pathways Health and Research Centre at West End, Brisbane said parents often aren't aware of the importance of sleep, with many young people only getting 6-7 hours a night.
'Adolescents need at least 9 hours sleep to be able to function properly at school and for their physical and emotional development,' Professor Barrett said.
'Lack of sleep can result in poor grades, poor decisionmaking, and an inability to control their emotions.
'A lot of new neurological connections are formed during adolescence, so a lack of sleep causes teenagers to be more irritable, and exacerbates emotions such as anger and sadness.
'Sleep deprivation also impacts on physical health because it depletes energy levels, meaning you tend to eat more and exercise less. Sleep helps recharge your immune system, so if you don't sleep enough you're likely to become sick more often.'
Sleep deprivation can also impact on mental health, and be a key factor in causing or exacerbating depressive moods which affect up to 40 per cent of adolescents.*
Ensuring that young people have adequate sleep will help them to be more resilient and better able to cope with stress, which can prevent anxiety and depression.
Professor Barrett said a lack of sleep is equally damaging for pre-adolescent children.
'Primary school students need at least 9 to 10 hours sleep every night,'* National Sleep Foundation (NSF), Sleep Poll 2007. she said.
'A lot of inattentive and hyperactive youngsters are sleep deprived and have bad diets. With predictable routines at home, regular sleep times and healthy diets, their behaviour would improve immensely at school.'
The good news is that it is possible for young people to get sufficient sleep by establishing a healthy sleep pattern with a set bedtime each night.
Professor Barrett suggests a good diet, daily exercise and the establishment of a nightly calm down routine involving a warm shower, and the use of relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
Adequate sleep is just as important for adults because it is vital to health and wellbeing at any age, however research* suggests that up to 60 per cent of adults have sleep problems or inadequate sleep three times a week or more.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends an average of 7-9 hours sleep per night for adults, although some may require up to 10 hours depending on their age and level of daily physical activity.
Parents can help teach their children about the importance of sleep by establishing their own healthy sleep patterns using some of the tips above.
* National Sleep Foundation (NSF), Sleep Poll 2007.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and Employment) 2008.