The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools can Help Them Thrive by Lisa L. Lewis

The Sleep-Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, and How Parents and Schools can Help Them Thrive Reviews

• 
  Kylie

  This is a great guide for anyone that has moody grumpy teenagers, that are struggling to get out of bed each morning and apply themselves to their school / work day.
  
  Lisa Lewis has done alot of meticulous research into the importance of the sleep in a teenager's daily routine, and exactly how much sleep is required for them to function effectively.
  
  Lisa demonstrates and explains the effects of lack of sleep and how it effects their schooling, education, their sporting abilities, their decision making abilities, driving, and also their mood.
  
  Lisa also touches on areas such as the increased percentage rate of teenage suicides and depression in sleep deprived teenagers.
  
  This is an excellent book, which has been thoroughly researched, and can be a handy tool to any parent of teenagers.
  
  Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this advanced audio. This book is available to purchase from 7 June, 2022
  
  3 Stars: It was a good book and well-crafted. I would recommend it to the right person.
  
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• 
  Julia Tracey

  I was wowed to see this book as an ARC--I have raised five teenagers and suffered untold drama and uproar in getting them to school on time. This book goes deep into teen needs, health, mental health, and the difference it makes to your teen by gender, socio-economic status, and culture. As a step-mom coming into a blended family with three daughters, and taking on a new daughter and son, this would have helped immeasurably. As a nerd aside, I really enjoyed the background of how we got here, from the one-room schoolhouse to the Cold War and our success-driven American culture. I love nerdy backstory and this hit just right. Lewis gives a ton of practical advice on how to wind down for sleep for teens (and stealable advice an adult can use, TYVM), the use of technology in keeping our teens awake as well as helping them to sleep (apps). Lastly, she talks a lot of changing school start times, something she apparently advocated for in California with success. I always thought "Zero Period" was torture for parents, much more so the teens. Turns out I was not wrong. Add this to your shelf if you work with teens or you are a parent of a tween or teen. Get ready, the sleep wars are coming and you'd best be prepared.
• 
  Courtney Maum

  As a lifelong sufferer of insomnia, this well-written, candid and supremely informational book was such an eye opener for me. Though I have always been an early riser, I'm surrounded by people who have a hard time getting up in the morning, and my friend's children tend to look like zombies during the school week. In addition to being illustrative about a lot of the social ills that plague our country as a whole, this book really points out how many things we put up with because "they've always been that way", when, in fact, there is evidence to the contrary that change is overdue. I'm super grateful to Lewis' publisher for an advanced edition of this book which is worth reading for parents and non parents both-- and the teenagers (once they are rested!) should read this page-turner, too!
• 
  Sari Fordham

  I was fortunate enough to read an advanced review copy of this compelling book, a must-read for anyone with kids.
  
  This past year, I've become a mega-fan of the deep dive book. Think BREATH by James Nestor. When an author chooses what seems on the surface like a narrow topic, they're able to show all the intersections and how big that one thing is. So it is with teen sleep. I was so intrigued to learn about how sleeping (or not sleeping) impacts teens in so many surprising ways. Knowing--really knowing--how crucial sleep is made me particularly attentive to tips. My own kid won't be a teen for several more years, but this book is helping me prepare and much of the advice is useful for now, with tweaks.
  
  While my focus on reading was the information I was learning, I'd be remiss not to note what a good writer Lisa Lewis is. She's the narrator you want to hang out with!
  
  
  
• 
  Jana Eisenstein

  Sleep affects every aspect of our lives, including how we develop intellectually and physically. In "The Sleep Deprived Teen" Lisa Lewis makes a compelling case for changing school start times, citing the science, case studies, anecdotes from her own life and the lives of other parents. Not only is it a fascinating read, it's scientifically supported but written in an accessible and easy-to-understand way. While I don't have children, I have a number of friends involved in education and education policy. This is a must-read for them.
• 
  April

  As a teacher, parent, and troubled sleeper, I felt pretty familiar with most of the information in this book, and I think it's important for parents and stake-holders to read. I wish there were a teen-friendly version, as this gives background and advice primarily to parents, but teens are particularly influenced by what they find out rather than what parents are telling them... especially when it may be restrictive.
  
  The primary points in this book are to move school start times later (this is central and an aspect that teens would get behind immediately... and it's been addressed and shifted in many places already) and personal/family routines that can help build good sleep habits. I particularly like that the author, at the end of each chapter, summarizes in simple, declarative language, the key take-aways from the narrative of the chapter. It reinforces what all of the research and consideration comes down to.
  
  I'd like to primarily recommend this to teens even if it isn't written for them specifically. I want it to help shift young people away from the competitive I-stayed-up-and-got-the-least-sleep dialogues that happen daily.
• 
  Jody Keisner

  Thanks to the publisher for an Advanced Review Copy! First, Lisa L. Lewis is already my heroine for having petitioned for later start times in CA. (We need Lisa here in the Midwest, where my preteen will start school at 7:30 am.) Second, this is a guide on how to successfully implement earlier sleep times for your child and SO MUCH MORE! Throughout her book, Lewis interweaves her research into the science of sleep, technology, and the identity factors that influence sleep and how much we need. With her crisp, accessible, and entertaining prose, Lewis has written a must-read for all parents of teens.
• 
  Sarah

  This was an absolutely fascinating read, exploring the health and social implications of sleep deprivation in adolescents, particularly in the context of early school start times. The author, a journalist, became a champion for the introduction of later start times at Californian high schools, and played an important role in securing the necessary legislative reform.
• 
  Julie Vick

  I received an advanced copy of this book and was impressed by the well-researched and informative info in it. I learned a lot about how much sleep can affect many aspects of teens' lives. Although my kids are not yet teens, I will keep in mind a lot of the information in it when we reach that stage. This is a great book for parents and educators looking to learn more about and advocate for better sleep for teens.
• 
  Sara Hosey

  This is such an important book! I am personally a big believer in sleep--and I sort of don't understand how or why other people aren't as committed as I am. But I digress. This is a terrific book and, as a parent of up-and-coming teens, is already an incredible resource for me. I cannot recommend highly enough.
• 
  Darlene

  Boy, how I wish conversations about deep deprivation in young people could have have happened when I was a child and teen, not as fluff talk but in a serious, well researched, deeply fleshed out way that the author does in her groundbreaking book. It's too late for me, but not for my high school students and not for the millions of other teens who Lisa Lewis advocates for in her book. The Southern California school district where I teach will start one half hour later, beginning in 2023. No doubt, Lewis' book and the advocacy of others in this movement have influenced this decision. If you are a skeptic, read this book and you will be changed. If the many facets of the argument for good sleep is an interest, read this book and you will be educated.
• 
  Isabella Romagnoli

  An excellent, thoroughly researched book! I think that all parents and high school staff should read this book. Naturally, many parents and high school teachers and administrators are reluctant to move school start times to a later hour because it doing so would interfere with bus schedules and extracurricular activities. Some may also believe that a student’s lack of sleep is purely because they “spend too much time on their phones” and that because high school students are more mature, they can better handle being a little tired. However, as Lewis points out, high school students are more than just a “little tired.” Many are chronically sleep deprived, and the effects of poor sleep are manifesting themselves in adolescent mental health and overall well-being. Furthermore, Lewis also illustrates how the exhaustion that high school students suffer from is not solely attributed to screen time. Screen time does indeed hamper the ability to receive quality sleep, but high school students are at an age where physiologically, their biological clocks and hormones are working against them to go to bed early and “wake up with the birds.” Lewis also explores how race, gender, and socioeconomics affect adolescent sleep. These different facets of how a student identifies themself can carry a heavy impact on their ability to fall asleep. Adolescents are already figuring out who they are, and when they believe that a part of their identity is not accepted by mainstream society, it is natural that their minds would be active with worry at night. Sleep is extremely important to the developing brain, and even though high school students may seem more mature in comparison to an elementary school student, their bodies are still developing and need a healthy amount of rest. While sleep cannot replace the help of a therapist or some necessary medications, I think that improving sleep can offer adolescents a simple and inexpensive way to help strengthen their mental health. Lewis’s book enumerates the ways in which sleep affects the mind and body, and how adults can help adolescents receive both a sufficient quantity and quality of sleep.
• 
  Andromeda Romano-Lax

  Why can't we just make teens go to bed earlier? If you've ever wondered, this book is for you--as well as your teen, teachers, politicians, and more.
  
  Lewis, a journalist and parent, starts with the science (my favorite part) of how researchers discovered that teens' body clocks lead to later fall-asleep times. In other words, it's not teens' fault! I was surprised to find out how recently this was discovered. Our knowledge of sleep, its phases, and how we sleep at all stages of life is only beginning to be fully understood. Lewis goes on to look at additional compounding challenges, including social media use (lots more great research). She shares practical and realistic tips for talking to teens, empowering them with the info they need to understand themselves and make better choices, while fully understanding the importance of social media to teens' social lives. (No excess judgment in this book).
  
  The book talks about school start times and why so many schools start too early (a recent and unfortunately, illogical development), as well as how to challenge the system and organize for later start times, a mission that Lewis herself undertook in 2015, successfully leading the fight for later start times in California, beginning in 2022. California is the first state to pay attention to the evidence and make this rational change. Will your state be next?
  
  Note: chapters are short, the language is simple, and there are lots of pages with the essential facts recapped, making for easy discussion/sharing and review.
  
  I read an advance copy of this book. My kids are all grown up but I wish I had this book when they were younger. It would have led to better decisions and fewer arguments. I read it now with interest because I think we all have a role to play in understanding teens' current challenges and expecting more of our schools. My husband is a secondary school teacher and he'll be next in line to read it!
• 
  Cheryl

  As the mother of three teenagers who are also night owls, I was very interested to read this book. I was impressed with the amount of information provided. There is detailed research-backed information about why sleep is important, ways a lack of sleep can impact you, and solutions to create better sleep habits.
  
  In the ways that lack of sleep can affect you, I knew some of the information but did not know all of it. For example, I didn't consider how a lack of sleep could slow your reaction time while playing sports and lead to injuries or concussions. Understanding this impact could also help teens prioritize sleep and create better sleep routines.
  
  There are many solutions to help teens (and their parents) create better sleep habits. I highly recommend this book to anyone struggling with sleep or anyone that wants to understand the importance of sleep.
• 
  Aileen Weintraub

  This is an important read by author Lisa Lewis who makes a compelling case for why teens and tweens need more sleep. I appreciate that the author includes scientific research and provides actionable tools to help kids get the rest they need. According to Lewis, sleep affects mental health, behavior, sports, drinking, and so much more. These are all concerns parents should be aware of, and as a mom of a teen who could definitely use more sleep, I found this and insightful and clarifying read. The Sleep Deprived Teen belongs on every parent and educator's bookshelf.
• 
  Rebecca Rolland

  I was grateful to receive an ARC of this book. At a time when there is so much pressure on kids and adults alike, this book couldn't come at a better time. Through bringing together science and stories, history and current research, Lisa Lewis is able to make a compelling case for why teens need for sleep and how to help them get it. Her compassionate and scientific approach shines through on every page. As the mother of two children who aren't yet teens, I'm looking forward to using her work as a framework moving forward.
• 
  Brigette

  If you are the parent of a child any age, you will want to read this book. Lisa Lewis gives historical context for how school start times have, over time, evolved to start earlier and earlier, for reasons that have nothing to do with what’s best for when and how teenagers learn. In fact, early school start times are putting teenagers at a disadvantage—not just for learning, but for emotional and physical well-being. Filled with scientific data that fits together well with just plain common sense, this book will make you rethink school start times in your community, as well as just how many activities might too many for a child to pursue at once.
• 
  Kristen Coppola

  Everyone should read this. I don’t care if you have a teen, work with teens, know a teen, care about a teen or not. You WERE once a teen, and you need to hear the five-alarm fire that is lack of sleep.
• 
  Bridget

  Eye-opening and super educational book on a topic all parents need. I appreciate how Lisa Lewis talks not only about good personal sleep hygiene but also what we collectively as communities and cultures can do to encourage the younger generations to value their sleep for the restoration and rejuvenation it provides.
• 
  Michelle Crunkleton-Clark

  A must-read for school administrators, legislators, parents, and anyone who cares about children.
  
  Teen sleep deprivation is a five-alarm fire in our country right now. Lewis lays out the history, the causes, and the problems with maintaining the status quo, and outlines solutions both large and small. Her book is well-written and engaging, with neat wrap-ups at the end of each chapter.
  
  I have been advocating for healthy school hours for teens since 2014 when the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with their recommendation on school start times. This is the best and most important book written about this crisis to date.
  
• 
  Christina

  Lisa L. Lewis takes on a topic that parents have been thinking about for years and will continue to think about for time immemorial. This well-written and well researched book dives deep into the sleep-deprived teen and helps the reader understand where to go. Call it what you will—a map? A guidebook?—but know that if you have teenagers in your lives or you ever were a teenager (okay, that means most of us, right?), then you need this book. Both practical and engaging, Lewis has written a winner.
• 
  Lynn Melnick

  As the mom of teenagers, the ARC of this book arrived right on time! The Sleep-Deprived Teen helps us understand both the science and the social factors that make up teenagers' need for (and unfortunate lack of) sleep, and what parents and communities can do about it. This book looks at the issue broadly--including socioeconomic factors and technology's contribution to the problem--and it also gives individuals the tools to help their teens sleep. I am very grateful for this book and highly recommend!
• 
  Karen

  I wish I’d had Lisa Lewis’ book, The Sleep Deprived Teen, during the years I dragged my exhausted teenagers out of bed early in the morning after they’d stayed up late into the night. Lewis succinctly explains the science behind why teens need sleep for physical, emotional, and social well-being, and then gives readers the tools to address their children’s needs.
  This well-researched book outlines the physical reasons why teens have trouble falling asleep and getting up early. Lewis explains the dangers of teens driving on too little sleep and of exposure to peer pressure to do drugs or drink when defenses are compromised. Lewis, who played a key role in California’s new Healthy School Start Times law, the first of its kind in the nation, also encourages parents to talk to school systems about implementing later sports practices and school starts.
  I highly recommend this book to anyone with children approaching middle school and high school. It will make a world of difference.
  
• 
  Jessica O'Dwyer

  Now I get it—the reasons why my teens groan when the alarm goes off to rouse them for school. Lisa L. Lewis has made me a believer in the absolute necessity for good, healthy sleep and enough of it. The Sleep-Deprived Teen is one of the few books I’ve read that literally has shifted the way I think about a subject. Read it if you have teens or children in your life, or if you’re interested in deepening your understanding of sleep, “the most powerful and natural form of self-care we have.”