Encourage children to ‘prioritize sleep’ to prevent ‘future substance abuse’

Michelle Sands, Registered Dental Hygienist and Silent Night Therapy‘s Sleep Apnea Director, said parents should emphasize the importance of sleep to their children to help prevent future substance abuse.

“Parents need to take control and start encouraging children to prioritize sleep,” said Sands. “That can help reduce their risk of future substance abuse problems and promote long-term mental and physical health. Parents tend to be too relaxed when it comes to sleeping time. Some kids under 7 stay up until ten or eleven at night, and parents think that’s okay.”

A recent study has found that children who do not get enough sleep are more likely to develop addictions to alcohol and drugs later in life. Sands commented on this, explaining how insufficient sleep during childhood may lead to impaired brain development, which increases the risk of substance use during adolescence. “Sleep plays a critical role in healthy brain development, especially during the formative years. The researchers in JAMA Pediatrics tracked over 10,000 children and found that those who regularly slept less than the recommended amount were twice as likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse,” said Sands.

The study also highlights how chronic sleep deprivation negatively impacts emotional regulation and decision-making, two key areas of concern for children and teenagers. According to the New York Post, adolescents with poor sleep patterns were more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or peer pressure. These substances, while seemingly helpful in the short term, have devastating long-term effects on mental health, potentially leading to addiction issues later in life.

Experts recommend that children between the ages of 6 and 12 get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, while teenagers aged 13 to 18 need 8 to 10 hours. However, modern lifestyle factors such as screen time and academic pressures have contributed to a widespread decrease in sleep duration among youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 73% of high school students fail to get enough sleep, putting them at increased risk of substance abuse, depression, and other health issues.

Sands says parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring children develop healthy sleep habits. “Experts suggest setting consistent bedtimes, limiting electronic use before bed, and creating a quiet, relaxing environment for sleep,” she said.

Michelle entered our practice in 2011, bringing with her over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dental Hygienist. Currently, she holds the position of Sleep Apnea Director. Silent Night Therapy focuses on a holistic approach to sleep apnea, aiming to help their patients achieve complete recovery by improving sleep quality.