Helping Your Teen

The National Sleep Foundation and the RWJ Comprehensive Sleep Center offer the following tips to help teenagers get the rest they need:

Set a consistent bedtime and wake-time, even on the weekends, that allows for the recommended nine or more hours of sleep every night.
Have a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading for fun or taking a warm bath or shower.
Keep the bedroom comfortable, dark, cool and quiet.
Get into bright light as soon as possible in the morning, but avoid it in the evening.
Create a sleep-friendly environment by removing TVs and other distractions from the bedroom and setting limits on usage before bedtime.
Avoid caffeine after lunchtime.