Is Your Teen Always Tired? We Need to Talk About Sleep.

If I could change one thing about the way we approach teen mental health, it would be how seriously we take sleep.

As a therapist who has worked with teens and college students for over 25 years, I see so many kids who are exhausted. They’re staying up late, scrolling on their phones, watching videos, texting friends, and then trying to function the next morning.

And somehow, we’re surprised when they’re irritable, anxious, unmotivated, or having trouble concentrating.

Let’s talk about this.

Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s one of the foundations of taking care of ourselves, and it’s something I discuss in my book, Mental Health Uncensored: 10 Foundations Every Parent Needs To Know.

Your Teen Can’t Run on Empty

Think about how you feel after a night of terrible sleep. You’re probably less patient, less focused, and not exactly your best self.

Now imagine being a teenager, dealing with school, friendships, social pressures, extracurricular activities, and the constant stimulation of technology, all while not getting enough sleep.

It’s a lot.

Sleep is important for attention, memory, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. When teens consistently don’t get enough, everyday challenges can feel much harder.

Start With a Routine, Not a Lecture

You don’t need to overhaul your teenager’s entire life tomorrow.

Start small:

  • Establish a reasonably consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
  • Create a wind-down routine that doesn’t involve scrolling.
  • Encourage daylight and outdoor activity during the day.
  • Keep the bed primarily for sleeping rather than doing homework and watching shows.
  • Make sure your teen has time to relax before going to bed.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency.

What About College Students?

This becomes even more important when students leave for college.

Nobody is going to tell them when to go to bed. Nobody is going to remind them that they have an 8 a.m. class. They need to recognize that staying up until 3 a.m. regularly has consequences.

Sleep is a life skill, and it’s one worth practicing before college.

If you’re preparing your teen for college, the College READY Framework Teen Workbook in my Etsy shop includes practical guidance for building healthy routines, independence, and emotional wellness.

Because preparing for college isn’t just about getting good grades. It’s about learning how to take care of yourself.

-Keri