Better Sleep Habits for Teens with Anxiety
Between long school days and extracurricular activities, your teenager likely doesn’t have much time to dedicate to health and wellness practices. If your teen struggles with regular anxiety, establishing healthy sleep habits can better support their mental wellness.
These four simple steps are easy to implement and can help you and your teen establish a nighttime routine that may relieve some anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety in Teens
Today’s teens face many challenges throughout the day like school stress, hectic schedules, or even pressure from social media. It can be easy for your teen to pick up habits that increase their anxiety levels and possibly lead to further health struggles.
Although a recent study showed that 31% of teenagers experience anxiety, many of these teens still suffer from feelings of isolation and loneliness. Sometimes, these anxious thoughts can even continue into the night when there is nothing to distract the mind.
Sleep Habits & Anxiety
A good night of rest can directly impact an individual’s anxiety levels by regulating emotions and preventing feelings of anxiety from escalating. In a sense, deep sleep serves as a balm for an over-anxious brain.
We recommend adding Emotional Distress Mindfulness to your daily routine as well. This technique can help your teen navigate through complex emotions throughout the day.
4 Simple Steps to Better Sleep Habits
Your teen’s struggle with anxiety may extend into the night, which can contribute to poor sleep and increased feelings of anxiety. If you’re ready to help your teen get a night of calming sleep, try starting with these four simple steps.
- Dim the lights 1 – 2 hours before bedtime. This includes turning off the television and putting away your cell phone before bed.
- Establish a nighttime routine. Try sticking to a routine every night to provide a level of consistency to your evening. What’s more, a regular routine can help tell your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Listen to calming music or do gentle yoga. Take part in an activity that calms both your mind and your body. This is a good way to relax your body and transition into sleep.
- Maximize your sleep space. Make sure your bed is comfortable and inviting. Avoid doing other activities in your bed like homework or eating because this forms a connection in your brain to waking activities. Instead, let your bed be exclusively for sleep and rest.
Malaty Therapy Is Here for You, Day & Night
Knowing how to best support your teen can be a challenge, but there are easy steps you can take to guide your teen down the road to better wellness. When mild anxiety becomes difficult to manage, reach out to the Malaty Therapy team for additional guidance.
