Sleep patterns and biological shifts in children and adolescents

Sleep patterns often shift significantly during transitions such as the end of holidays or the onset of puberty. For children returning to school after a vacation, experts suggest a gradual adjustment. Rather than implementing a strict schedule overnight, parents are advised to shift bedtimes and wake-up times by approximately fifteen minutes every few days to help the child readjust to a routine.

During puberty, biological changes further complicate sleep schedules. Research indicates that the onset of puberty delays the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleepiness, causing a circadian phase shift that pushes the internal biological clock later. This physiological change is often exacerbated by social and behavioral factors, including increased screen time from social media and gaming, as well as the academic and extracurricular demands of modern student life.