Digital in Her DNA

Abstract

The most common sleep disorder in pre-adolescents and adolescents is insufficient sleep syndrome. The use of screen-based activities (e.g., cellphones, tablets, and video games) is a major contributor to insufficient and poor-quality sleep. The authors discuss changes in the sleep/wake pattern at the transition from pre-adolescent to adolescent age and various factors affecting these changes. They explain how self-imposed poor sleep hygiene practices and behaviors at bedtime affect sleep latency. Sleep logs or actigraphy can be useful tools in the confirmation of ISS. Strategies to avoid wake-promoting late evening activities and a consistent sleep/wake schedule are the keys to optimal daytime functioning. Treating insufficient sleep in adolescents with education and behavioral modification is effective in most cases.