Study shows sleep deprivation may harm adolescent brains

Sleep is needed for survival. Many studies have shown the negative effects of sleep deprivation and insomnia can have on a person's body and mind. This is even more true during adolescence, when a child's body is transforming into adulthood.

The National Sleep Foundation found that young people are sleeping just 7.5 hours per night, which is two hours less than most experts recommend, NBC News reports.

Officials told the news source that sleep deprivation can interfere with brain development and may increase the likelihood that a teen will develop attention deficit disorder or other cognitive problems. They added that teens who do not get enough rest may have a heightened risk for obesity, immune problems and depression.

Technology has made going to bed for some teens a chore. Recent studies have shown that text messaging before teens rest may affect their sleep patterns. Parents who find their children groggy and sluggish each morning many want to enroll them into individual therapy to help children understand the importance of sleep.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 million Americaen suffer from chronic sleep problems.