Expert Clinical Psychologist Kaan Üçyıldız provided important information on the subject. In recent years, there has been a noticeable deterioration in the sleeping habits of young people in Turkey. Factors such as intense school tempo, exam stress, social media addiction and anxiety about the future negatively affect young people's sleep patterns. This situation can have serious effects on mental health, especially for young people.
A generation in the grip of insomnia
Recent studies have shown that a large portion of young people in Turkey do not sleep enough. Sleep problems increase especially during exam periods and stressful times. Insomnia can lead not only to fatigue but also to irritability, anxiety, depression and concentration problems.
One of the most important factors disrupting young people’s sleep patterns today is social media and technology addiction. Smartphones, tablets and computers cause young people to be exposed to screens for long hours before going to bed. This prevents the secretion of the melatonin hormone, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Future anxiety and exam stress are also effective
The anxiety about the future and exam stress of young people in Turkey unfortunately contribute to sleep problems. Intense class schedules, exam stress and anxiety about the future negatively affect young people's sleep patterns. This situation threatens both the physical and mental health of young people.
The problem of insomnia in young people continues to increase day by day. It can be said that this situation may lead to bigger problems in the future. For now, we can see that insomnia negatively affects young people's academic success, social relationships and general quality of life. In particular, avoiding relationships with other individuals, withdrawing from socialization and progressing with a more introverted and avoidant structure can be the case. Insomnia can make social interactions difficult and cause tension in relationships. Fatigue and irritability can make it difficult to communicate with people and maintain healthy relationships. It can negatively affect our ability to regulate our emotional state. This can lead to sudden mood swings, irritability, angry outbursts and emotional instability in general.
In order to minimize the effects of sleep deprivation on mental health, it is necessary to first pay attention to sleep hygiene. It may be useful to create a sleep schedule to regulate sleep and wake times. Relaxation exercises can be applied to manage stress and not use technological devices before going to bed. In addition, healthy nutrition and regular exercise during the day can also help improve sleep quality.
Parents have a big responsibility
Parents also need to pay attention to their teens’ sleep patterns and raise awareness about them. Monitoring their children’s sleep habits, guiding them on sleep hygiene, and limiting their use of technology are among the important duties of parents.
Expert Clinical Psychologist Kaan Üçyıldız said, “Insomnia is a serious problem that threatens the mental health of young people. In order to cope with this problem, young people, parents, educators and experts need to act together. Let's not forget that healthy sleep is the foundation of both our physical and mental health and the assurance of our future.”
