My son is 14, he has been doing a lot of growing lately and I know children sleep a lot when they grow but he seems to be sleeping sometimes 14 hours. Sometimes he wakes up in the middle of the night, though sometimes from bad dreams, and he can't go back to sleep. One morning he was up until 5 am because he couldn't go back to sleep. He went out running, went to work with me and then slept the rest of the day. Is it normal to sleep 10-15 hrs at a wack or should I be concerned about a possible illness?
I would take him to the Dr. just to rule things out though teenagers do tend to sleep more. Any history of depression in the family? My sister started to experience problems in her early teens with sleep habits and was diagnosed when she was 23. I'm not saying that is the issue just a suggestion. Good luck!
My daughter is 13 and her sleep patterns are extremely erratic. Sometimes she gets up in the middle of the night and does laundry! Sometimes she goes to sleep after school and barely gets up to eat. She has been diagnosed with depression though, she's had a really strong reaction to two sudden deaths in the family, so I'm not sure how normal it is. We are (I think) finally starting to get a handle on it, but if you ARE dealing with a depression issue, you need to get started dealing with it, so a checkup is probably in order.
Hi J.
Young teenagers sleep as much as newborns because of growing,hormones etc. Pain in his legs from growing could be causing the disturbed sleep.
At his age he should be able to tell you he is feeling unwell.
If you feel that there is more to it then a quick visit to your GP might ease your mind.
Best of luck
B.
I did that when I had mono. I came home after practice and fell asleep about 6pm on a Friday and slept until 12 on Saturday.
Is your son sleeping in or is he going to bed early? My kids loved to sleep in as long as they could when they hit those teenage years. I'm sure part of it was their growth spurts, but part of it was being able to procrastinate getting up. Why does he think he sleeps a lot?
The waking up thing could also be due to their overactive brains. They have a lot of things to stimulate them all day with all the electronic devices, etc. My son stayed up late a lot, not because he couldn't sleep but because he wanted to play games.
A physical is always a good idea, especially if he hasn't had one in over a year. But also make sure that you check in with him from time to time on how he is feeling. Wait til you are in the car as boys talk better when they don't have to look at you. Then ask questions that cannot be answered with "yes" and "no." E.g. Which teachers are the most demanding? Do you feel like you are able to keep up? or Who do you hang out with the most at school? What do you like in common? and Have you thought about what you'd like to do after college? You used to talk about being a ____. Are you still interested?
Check to see how he answers these kinds of questions. If he is depressed, you should be able to pick up on the way he talks about stuff.
It's normal, but if it makes you feel better go get a check-up.
J.,
If I was you I would just take him to the doctor and have him checked. It's best to be make sure that it's not something serious. You'll feel better knowing that he is just growing rather than worring about it and if there is something medically wrong with him, he'll be able to get the right medication and treatment early rather than some time down the road.
Blessings
Hi J.,
As others have said, "It's probably best to have him checked." As a teenager, I had mono and for a month I would come home every day and just want to sleep. My mom wouldn't let me and after that month, I passed out at school. It was very advanced and I almost lost my spleen.
I also have my youngest son, now 21, who was a sleeper and still is! He requires more sleep b/c when he is up he is very active!! He goes and goes like an energizer bunny and then when he sleeps, it is usually 9-10 hours +. He does have ADD so that may contribute to this some.
Anyway, I just encourage you to have him looked at. Better safe than sorry .
Good luck,
K.
sounds like an illness to me. my oldest never did that nor my step kids not a teenage age. unless he is in sports which totally drain them physically they shouldnt sleep that much
I think it is normal. I slept until 11-12 sometimes even 1 on Saturdays. I played alot of sports though. I would even have to take naps before games or going out with friends. I was always and still am a heavy sleeper though. Is this a change for him or has he always been a sleeper? Is he growing? You could just get a quick blood work up so you don't have to worry if you wanted. Good luck. I'm sure he is fine.
