Sleep expert Christian Benedict wants to inspire young people to sleep tight

The number of teenagers who experience sleep disorders is increasing rapidly. A study among senior high school girls shows that one in three sleeps six hours or less on weekdays - clinically classified as sleep deprivation - making it rank among our public health problems. In a survey among teenagers in Uppsala county, every third respondent states that their sleeping habits have negative impact on their school performance. But research also shows that the risks reach far beyond the classroom.

“We know that teenagers have a naturally shifted circadian rhythm and are rarely tired enough when it's time to sleep. The fact that many also bring mobile phones and school computers with them to bed at night does not help. Nevertheless, every morning they have to go to school, followed by evening activities, friends and homework. Add the fact that the teenage brain requires extra time for rest for continued maturation, and it is obvious that our society is facing a major challenge,” states Christian Benedict, sleep researcher at Uppsala University.

Teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of good-quality sleep per day. If these hours are reduced, it may affect both our physical and mental health, something that is confirmed in a current study of the connection between sleep and depression among high school students in Stockholm County. The results show that only 31 percent of young people with depression fulfill the sleep recommendations. In parallel, young people with suicidal thoughts sleep one hour less during school days compared to other young people – but we also learn that 30 minutes of extended sleep on school days can reduce the risk of depression by 10 percent.

“I also have teenage children at home and see up close the difficulties that early mornings and expectations to perform can entail. Therefore, we adults must help our children realize how relevant sleep is and to create structures in their everyday life. But pointing fingers and placing blame is never the way forward, instead we must emphasize the positive aspects of living your life well rested,” says Christian Benedict.

In his new book, Sleep yourself to a better life (Sov dig till ett bättre liv), Christian explains why a good night's sleep can make both us and society richer, smarter, healthier and even more attractive. But then again, we have the teenager's timetable: On weekdays, school and activities. On weekends, friends and parties. Christian has publicly advocated giving every teenager at least one solid morning of sleep per school week. However, we are not there yet, and on Monday 18 November, Christian Benedict will meet 1,550 high school students in the Uppsala University Main Auditorium to give them the tools and motivation to make full use of the – to borrow Christian's own word – superpower sleep actually is.

“As teachers, we know that our students' lifestyle habits can have decisive consequences for their future. And with renowned researchers, such as Christian Benedict, explaining what they can do to experience their youth with as little stress, fear and anxiety as possible, we hope to give our students both an eye opener and an extra dose of optimism. Therefore, we are very happy to participate in Uppsala University's theme day on lifestyle and health and are convinced that it will be rewarding for all of us, says Anna Björkman, teacher at Kungsängsgymnasiet in Sala.

Text: Magnus Alsne, photo: Stefan Tell a o