In the setting of any underlying physiological or psychological conditions, this is often exacerbated. These adolescents are not getting adequate sleep, affecting performance during formative years, and not seeking help for it. In fact, the National Sleep Foundation poll of 12th graders (17–18 years old) reported that 75% slept less than 8 h per night this is even more striking when considered in light of the fact that self-report of sleep by adolescents is often overestimated. In today’s world of increased demands on adolescents for afterschool activities to compete for limited spots in universities, increased exposure to screens even in their own bedrooms, early start times for schools, and a physiologic sleep/wake delay, there are a multitude of reasons that adolescents do not reach the critical amount of sleep they need. The amount of recommended sleep during the adolescent period is greater than expected, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending 9–11 h of sleep for children 6–13 years old and 8–10 h per night for individuals aged 14–17 years old. These factors do not bode well for the trend of increased issues with sleep in adolescence. This separation includes decreased sharing of medical information, even in cases of pain, due to embarrassment and a desire for independence. This is also a time during which the adolescent will distance him or herself from the family unit and develop stronger relationships with peer groups, romantic interests, and ultimately physically separate to live independently and pursue goals such as further education or employment. Within this timeframe most individuals will go through the pubertal process, move from more logical thought to abstract thinking with problem-solving abilities, and experience a peak in impulsivity that gradually dissipates into behaviors such as self-regulation and planning. Adolescence encompasses a wide time range which includes early (11–13 years), middle (14–18 years) and late periods (19–21 years old or through college age). Rather, insomnia fills this void with impatience, anxiety, and ultimately leads to maladaptive behaviors these often involve utilization of screens, providing stimulation and light exposure, which is correlated with even later sleep onset.

Insomnia is a nocturnal disorder that profoundly impacts an individual’s performance during waking hours, taking away the restorative physical and cognitive properties that sleep provides.

Symptoms of insomnia in teenagers