LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Doctors think teens don’t get nearly the amount of sleep their bodies need.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests teens should get 9 to about 9 1/2 hours a night of sleep.

Dr. Zoran Danov studies sleep at the University of Kentucky’s College of Medicine. He said there are several things that keep teens up at night.

“They have stress for what they’re going to do later in life,” Danov said. “They’re worried about college and getting good grades.”

Danov provides a few ways parents can help their kids catch some more hours at night:

  • No electronics: Phones, tablets, computers, TVs, emit light that interferes with the natural melatonin secretion that happens when it is dark. Dr. Danov suggests no electronics an hour before bedtime.
  • Avoid prolonged naps: Long naps mess with circadian rhythm. If you’re tired, keep your naps at a maximum of 20 minutes.
  • Stay away from excess caffeine: Caffeine has a half-life of about 6 hours. This means you should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening. Don’t drink coffee, tea, or soda when it is too late in the day.
  • Limit extracurriculars: The more you’re involved in, the more stress you get. Danov recommends parents and teens discuss the appropriate amount of clubs, sports, and work on top of your course load.