Walk into any first-period high school classroom and it's obvious: teenagers are exhausted. Sleep deprivation is an epidemic as widespread as obesity—and just as damaging. Fortunately, science has answers and Dr. Helene Emsellem has solutions that all parents can use. Affecting the lives of more than 41 million adolescents in the United States alone, sleep deprivation is a chronic problem for kids today. We know this intuitively as we watch teenagers frantically juggle a hectic social calendar with the overwhelming demands of school, work, and chores. School performance around the country is suffering—but it's not just grades that are at risk. Sleep deprivation has been found to affect nearly every aspect of a teenager's life, from emotional stability and behavioral issues to physical well-being and the potential for drug and alcohol abuse. For years, we've blamed many of these adolescent characteristics on the natural maturing process or changing hormones. And while chemicals do surge through the body creating strong effects, sleep—the right amount and the right kind—has now been targeted for its prime importance in overall success and well-being.
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HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON…
How did you become interested in sleep?
I have always been fascinated by the complexity of brain function and chose neurology as my primary medical specialty so that I could focus my interest on the brain and nervous system. Although we have mapped the human genome and have come to understand and treat many neurological diseases, there are simple, basic, unanswered questions about sleep. Scientists have only begun to tackle the mysteries of sleep and its rejuvenating properties and I am excited and challenged by the opportunity to be involved in this new frontier of discovery.
Do you fall asleep easily or are you a closet insomniac?
No, I am not a closet insomniac but I do need to pay careful attention to my own sleep hygiene – particularly allocating enough time for sleep. I really need 7 ½ hours in order to feel good and function optimally and have to keep a tight reign on my evening activities in order to have the opportunity to get the sleep I need. I am very sympathetic to my adolescent patients who just want to answer one more IM before turning off the computer!
What keeps you up at night?
The first challenge for me in the evening is to let go and concede that I have done all that I can for one day. I find it most disconcerting to take the worries of the day to bed with me—either in my thoughts or my level of body tension so I often enjoy a warm shower and stretching followed by a crossword or Soduko to ease the transition from the stressors of the day to sleep.
About the Author
Dr. Helene A. Emsellem, M.D., with Carol Whiteley
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Dr. Emsellem brings insight and assistance to both parents and educators in offering 10 effective strategies for improving the function of sleep. It is written in a chatty, enjoyable, easy to read style, and worth reading even if you don't have, or work with teens. As an educator, I was impressed with the role of sleep in the acquisition of learning, and why pulling "all-nighters" just doesn't work well in the process of remembering important information. I was particularly interested in the serious problems that can accompany lack of sleep especially in relationship to obesity, ADD and depression. I liked that she brought in research-based practices to validate what she was saying, and supplied valuable resources. All in all, it was the most informative book I've read on the subject of sleep lately.
Dr. F. Joyce Gerber
Dr. F. Joyce Gerber
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By M. Hollis
Format:Hardcover
I am a retired school teacher with 33 years experience with other people's teenage kids plus my own. This book is a must read for everyone with teenage children. It was a quick and easy read. Other things that I liked were the examples that all parents can relate to, also some suggested ways to help fix your adult sleep problems.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By MaGoo
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent, informative and life changing. A must read for every parent, teacher, school administrator, athletics coach and if they could only stay awake long enough, every teen in America. In this eye opening (pun intended) account on sleep, or lack thereof, Helene Emsellem carefully and clearly explains why our children need more sleep, why they are not getting it and how to change the cycle. Dr Emsellem dispels myths along the way and backs her assertions with scientific research. Very informative and helpful text.
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