Concerned about my teen

[Shrek]

My son turned 13 a couple of months ago, and the event seemed to coincide with a strange increase in his need for sleep. He's even taking afternoon naps, which we haven't seen since toddlerhood.

He seems okay otherwise -- schoolwork is fine, still does sports and other activities. He just gets sleepy at times.

I'm wondering if there's any cause for concern, medical or otherwise? Any other parents of teens notice this with your kid(s)?

[trotsky]

1. A strange increase?

What are his "normal" bedtime and waking times?

[Shrek]

2. Usually in bed by 10 PM and gets up at 7 AM

And it's been that way for quite a while.

The sleepiness is a new phenomenon.

[trotsky]

3. I remember as a teen boy

Sometimes going to bed at 9 and waking up at 9, at least on the weekends. And pretty much consuming my body weight in food every day and not gaining an ounce. I miss that. :)

Naps were not uncommon - all through high school and into college. Of course in college it was because of a lack of sleep at night.

I guess I'm just another data point, but I don't think it's that unusual. Teen boys need sleep.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

4. I think this is normal for teens.

Is he eating a lot more lately too? He's probably going to have a growth spurt pretty soon. I remember my brother grew 6 inches from the age of 12 to 13.

Teen years are kind of similar to the toddler years in a lot of ways. Kids generally grow a lot during these phases (and they are also interested it expressing their independence/individuality).

There is a possibility he could have something like mononucleosis, but if he had that I think he would feel constantly drowsy and not have much energy to do much of anything while he is awake. He sounds like he he doesn't have this problem if he can participate in sports.

[mopinko]

5. normal

is he having trouble getting to sleep at his usual time? teen's body clocks turn to later to bed and later to rise. this is a simple medical fact. this can cause them to sleep less soundly, even if they still go to bed at the usual time.
it pisses me off that high schools start earlier, when common sense would dictate that they start LATER!! in places where they have done this is has paid off in every way. better achievement, fewer behavior problems, fewer absences, increased graduation.
i guess it is just leftover puritanism. such bull.
my son had a lot of trouble with this, and he ended up dropping out.

[phylny]

6. There are three times in life when humans need incredible amounts

of sleep: When they're babies, when they're teens, and when they're pregnant.

I have three teenagers, and this is a very normal occurrence. They (especially teen boys) are growing at a tremendous rate. My husband, evidently, grew five inches one summer.

It's normal, don't worry about it, unless you suspect depression. But this sleeping thing is what teens do.

[cry baby]

7. I have a 13 yr old son, he is sleeping and eating more than usual

He is also growing faster than I can keep up with. Your son may just be going thru a growth spurt.

[SW FL Dem]

8. My son is almost 14

He is definitely sleeping more than he used to. I think it is because he is growing so much. He has grown at least 6 inches in the past 18 months. I remember my brother was the same when he was a teenager. He ate everything in sight and was impossible to get up in the morning. As long as your son seems normal in other ways, like hanging out with friends, attitude etc., I wouldn't worry too much.