Technology + caffeine = sleepy teens

Most teens use several different types of technology throughout the day and late into the night. Research suggests that this late night use of technology can lead to an increase in caffeine consumption and teens find it harder to stay alert during the day.

The study, Adolescents Living the 24/7 Lifestyle: Effects of Caffeine and Technology on Sleep Duration and Daytime Functioning, found that “33 percent of the teenagers in the study reported falling asleep during school and that caffeine consumption tended to be 76 percent higher by those who fell asleep.”

So what’s the reason for this?

Watching TV, playing video games, or being on the computer too close to bedtime, can make it more difficult to fall asleep. When you wake up you’re tired, and the result is that you drink soda, an energy drink, or coffee to wake up.

So what does all this mean to you?

Well, if you’re falling asleep while you’re in school, there is a possibility that you could fall asleep while you’re driving. Not to mention that when you’re tired you are more easily distracted.

The best thing to do is get a full night of sleep (which for teens means more than nine hours). Research also suggests avoiding the TV, computer, video games and other technological devices for up to an hour before you go to bed will help you wind down and you will fall asleep easier.

Read the full abstract online.