Sleep
Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential to physical health, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. During sleep, the body undergoes critical restorative processes including memory consolidation, hormonal regulation, and immune system maintenance. These physiological functions are necessary for learning, growth, and disease prevention across all age groups.
Sleep and Adolescent Development
Adolescents require 8-10 hours of sleep per night according to sleep science research, yet many teens experience insufficient sleep due to biological shifts in circadian rhythms. Dr. Laurie Santos identifies sleep as a science-backed behavior that significantly supports teen well-being. Prioritizing adequate rest helps mitigate the effects of these developmental changes and promotes overall mental and physical health.