And, it does the work it needs to do to help you score the game-winning goal or play a computer game. Research shows that teens need more than 9 hours of sleep each night. If you don't get enough rest, you may feel tired, cranky, or depressed. It may be hard for you to follow directions or do well on a test the next day. You may feel clumsy playing your favorite sport or video game.
Lack of sleep can even cause skin problems, such as acne.
Studies show that just when your body needs sleep the most, it may be harder than ever to catch all the Zs you really need. In the teen years, natural changes in your body clock may keep you from feeling sleepy until after 10 p.m. When you have to get up for school before dawn, it can be tough to get the sleep your brain and body need. Some schools are trying later start times, but even if your school bells don't ring at a sleep-friendly hour, you can still snooze your way to good health by practicing healthy sleeping habits. An unhealthy lifestyle can lead to sleep problems. Using drugs or alcohol can negatively affect your sleep pattern by increasing your stress level and making you sleep either too much or too little.