Experts say that sleep deprivation may harm adolescent development

Health experts recently announced that many teens suffer from sleep deprivation, which could lead to insomnia. They added that during adolescence, individuals should receive nearly 10 hours of sleep each night.

Sleep is very important for teens' growing bodies and for their minds to recharge. Furthermore, sleep deprivation combined with a poor diet can cause irritability, nervous tension, hyperactivity and insomnia.

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found a link between electronics use and sleep deprivation. Researchers revealed that nearly 66 percent of teens had television in their bedroom, 33 percent had a computer and 90 percent had a cellphone.

They said that these devices activate the mind, which they equated to having a stressful work conversation just before getting into bed. Instead, they suggest that regular exercise, practicing relaxing methods and limiting electronic use before bed may help teens rest at night.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population suffers from chronic insomnia.