Surveys of American teenagers find that half of them do not get enough sleep on their school nights. They get an average of 60 to 90 minutes less than experts say they need. One of the reason for this deficit is biology. Experts say that teens are biologically programmed to go to sleep later and wake up later than other age groups. But many schools start classes as early as 7 in the morning. As a result, many students go to school feeling like 16-year-old Danny. Danny plays 2 sports, lacrosse and football. He is an active teen except in the morning. Getting up in the morning is pretty terrible. I'm very tired and out of it. And then going to school I'm out of it. And through first and 2nd period I can barely stay awake. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist with a specialty in sleep disorders. Teens, he says, need to sleep 8 to 9 hours or even 9 to 10 hours a night. Sleepy teens can probably experience a form of depression that could have big effect on their well-being. It could not just effect their ability in the class and on the sports field, but also on the road. He says tired driver is dangerous, especially teens with a lack of experience.
