Teenagers usually need 8 to 10 hours of sleep in each 24-hour period. For most healthy teens ages 13 to 18, regularly sleeping within this range supports better attention, learning, memory, mood, and overall physical health.
Getting less than 8 hours often is common, but it is usually not enough for most teens. Short sleep has been linked with more daytime sleepiness, trouble focusing, lower school performance, mood changes, injuries, and higher risks related to weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, depression, self-harm, and suicidal behavior.
Many teens have trouble getting enough sleep because their sleep schedule can shift later during adolescence, especially on school nights. A steady bedtime and wake-up time, enough time in bed, and routines that make sleep a priority can help reduce chronic sleep loss.
If a teenager regularly sleeps less than 8 hours, feels very sleepy during the day, has mood or behavior changes, or struggles to function at school, it is worth discussing this with a pediatrician or sleep specialist.