ParentGuide

🎓 Adolescent · 12–18 years 😴 Sleep

My teenager stays up very late and can't wake up for school. Is this laziness?

No. During puberty, the circadian rhythm shifts later—teens genuinely don't feel sleepy until 11 PM or later, and their biology needs 8–10 hours. This is called sleep phase delay and is well-documented. Limit blue light in the evening, keep a consistent schedule, and avoid weekend sleep-ins of more than 1–2 hours. Advocate for later school start times if possible.

This information is general guidance and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical concerns.