Les conséquences du manque de sommeil à l'adolescence

Studies on adolescents sleep problems emphasize the frequency of sleep loss for this age group, with consequences in many key areas, cognitive, psychological and metabolic. Adolescence is marked by dramatic changes in the structure of sleep. More specifically, there is a decline of slow-wave sleep and an alteration of the circadian rhythm, with a tendency to delayed sleep phase. The changes in lifestyle, the increased school stress, the many extracurricular activities, and the gradual freeing from the family, tend to create a lack of sleep, while the need for sleep is important. In sleep debt, teens are consequently sleepy and studies of this population have highlighted the existence of lower academic performance, mood disorders, a potential alcohol or drug abuse and an increased risk of road accidents. And on the metabolic aspects, the risk of weight gain and obesity is the most studied. Further studies are required to explain the mechanisms and long-term risk assessment. But knowing the underlying physiological and brain changes linked to this key period of life, we should be watchful and promote a message of prevention.