Teenagers NEED sleep. Your mind and body are still growing so your body needs plenty of time to replenish itself. Without enough sleep, you might struggle to concentrate in class, perform poorly in a basketball game, be more irritated with your friends or take longer than usual to get over a cold. There are so many reasons to give your body the rest it needs.

Having a hard time sleeping? Try winding down about an hour before your goal bedtime. This includes turning off the TV, taking a warm shower or reading. If you’re looking at your phone or an electronic book, dim the lights to a nighttime mode. All of these things help your brain slow down and prepare for sleep.

If you’re still having a hard time with sleep after trying these things, you might consider talking with a doctor. There are some health issues, like depression, that can mess with your sleep schedule.

Take care of yourself.