Is Your Teen's "Crashing Out" a Cause for Concern?

The truth is—the teenage years are a time when your teen’s sleep habits, moods, and daily routines are in a constant flux, which many people might say is ‘normal.’ But is it really so? On one day they might be wide awake at 2 am, and on the next day they might be crashing out for hours. While occasional long naps and getting up late in the mornings probably look like typical teenage behavior, it leaves the parents wondering if it's just a phase or should they actually be concerned.

The main question is—what crashing out really means? This phrase is typically used to describe someone who suddenly needs to rest, often intensely, after an activity. When it comes to teens, it reciprocates to sleeping for excessively long periods after staying up late or wide awake the entire night. Or, it may even mean that they’re exhausted after back-to-back sports practices, exams, or intense social outings.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep per night. However, only 15 percent of teens get the recommended amount on school nights. This sleep deficit is what really causes teens to crash hard when they do get the chance. While the sleep patterns shift during adolescence, several reasons can be hidden behind it.

Here are a few reasons why your teen is possibly crashing out.

One of the key reasons behind crashing out is sleep deprivation. Amidst school hours, after-school activities, and homework, it leaves little or no time for kids to rest. In fact, as per a study, 70 percent of high school students don’t get enough sleep, which results in sleep debt and intense exhaustion.

Adolescence is a phase where teens experience rapid growth and physical development, which is why their bodies demand more rest to recover from these changes, especially when they are also involved in physical activities. So, if you notice them crashing out, there are high chances it means his body is indicating some time to recharge.

The truth is, teens struggle from pressures that previous generations do not fully understand. From academic stress to the social media pressure, teens get physically and mentally tired. This ultimately leads to psychological burnout, where the mind and body simply shut down to recover.

The glow of the smartphone is doing more harm than good when it comes to your teen’s sleep schedule. According to a study, the blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep. This eventually results in delayed sleep, causing exhaustion to build up over time.

The best approach to ensuring a good sleep routine for your kids is to limit the screen time while ensuring a consistent bedtime routine. However, if your teen had a demanding week, let them catch up or sleep during the weekend.

Crashing out is probably normal for the teenage years. Especially when their bodies and brains are constantly adjusting, sometimes letting them sleep is the best way to energize and reset. Simultaneously, it is equally important to develop healthy sleeping habits to avoid frequent crash outs and ensure their productivity at its best.