TRANSCRIPT:
For South Carolina Public Radio, I'm Dr. Rénard Harris from the College of Charleston. This is Teachable Moments, a minute of education for students and parents.
Adolescents need about nine hours of sleep to support healthy growth and development, but many in the U.S. aren’t getting enough rest.
Smartphones are a major factor. Teens find it hard to unplug, and both they and their parents may overlook the connection between sleep deprivation and depression. A lack of sleep can hinder brain development critical for managing emotions, memory, and focus.
But there are reasons to be hopeful. Some teens are turning to sleep-tracking devices which raise awareness of sleep habits and can motivate healthier routines. Recent studies suggest it’s possible to recover from sleep loss by sleeping in on weekends or taking a nap. Close your eyes, your brain will thank you.
For the College of Charleston, I’m Dr. Rénard Harris.