Sleep difficulties during adolescence

This resource explores the sleep challenges young people face during adolescence, highlighting biological changes, academic pressures, social influences, and the impact of screen time on sleep quality. It explains how these factors can disrupt rest, and emphasises the two-way connection between sleep and mental health.

It is designed to support therapists in delivering psychoeducation about sleep difficulties during adolescence, helping young people understand the unique changes they experience and encouraging conversations about strategies to improve their sleep.

References and Further Reading 

  • Dewald-Kaufmann, J., de Bruin, E. and Michael, G. (2022) ‘Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in school-aged children and adolescents’, Sleep Medicine Clinics, 17(3), pp. 355–365. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2022.06.003.
  • Keuppens, L. et al. (2023a) ‘Sleep intervention as symptom treatment for ADHD (siesta)-blended CBT sleep intervention to improve sleep, ADHD symptoms and related problems in adolescents with ADHD: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial’, BMJ Open, 13(4). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065355.
  • Gradisar, M. et al. (2011a) ‘A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavior therapy plus bright light therapy for adolescent delayed sleep phase disorder’, Sleep, 34(12), pp. 1671–1680. doi:10.5665/sleep.1432.
  • Dewald-Kaufmann, J., de Bruin, E. and Michael, G. (2019) ‘Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in school-aged children and adolescents’, Sleep Medicine Clinics, 14(2), pp. 155–165. doi:10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.02.002.
  • Åslund, L. et al. (2020) ‘Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in adolescents with comorbid psychiatric disorders: A clinical pilot study’, Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 25(4), pp. 958–971. doi:10.1177/1359104520929376.
  • Ma, Z.-R., Shi, L.-J. and Deng, M.-H. (2018) ‘Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in children and adolescents with insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 51(6). doi:10.1590/1414-431×20187070.
  • Sukiennik, O. et al. (2024) ‘Changes to sleep patterns and insomnia symptoms following cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adolescents’, Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 52(5), pp. 522–534. doi:10.1017/s1352465824000195.