Sleepless Teens Battle Biology

Despite what many parents think, night-owl-teens aren’t just being rebellious, say sleep experts. Seven to 16% of teens have a sleep disorder known as delayed sleep phase syndrome , which is a condition where the body’s circadian rhythm allows them to stay awake long past what may be considered a normal bedtime. There is no cure for the disorder, except age and behavioral modification such as restricting the consumption of caffeinated beverages and eliminating stimulating activities (exercise, listening to music, watching TV, or being on the computer) near bedtime. In some cases, teens may undergo bright light therapy to help realign the body clock to regular sleep hours, or they may receive medication.

Onscreen Smoking Lures Teens

Teens who see movie characters smoke in films are more likely to give smoking a try, whether it be “just a few puffs” or experimenting with a pack over a period of time.

Smoking in movies by key characters is often seen as glamorous, sexy, tough, rebellious, independent—all images that are attractive and positive to many teens. As teens create their own identities, they might want to include these desirable traits. Unfortunately, a majority of the time, media portrayals do not include information about negative health or social consequences.

Research has also shown that there are a number of factors that influence teens to experiment with smoking, such as having friends who smoke or having a rebellious or sensation-seeking personality. Controlling for these other factors, researchers still find that exposure to smoking in movies is related to teens' experimentation with cigarettes.

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Issue: August 2007