Not Just Phone Screens: The Real Reasons Behind Teen Sleep Disturbances

In Indonesia, the growing concern over sleep deprivation among teenagers and its link to rising obesity rates is a pressing public health issue. Republika.co.id reports on insights from Dr. Nur Aisiyah Widjaja of Airlangga University, who emphasizes the critical role of sleep timing in regulating not just rest but also appetite. The prevailing advice is to aim for sleep by 9 PM, coinciding with the natural rise in melatonin, the sleep hormone. When this schedule is disrupted, the body may produce other hormones, like leptin, which can stimulate hunger, leading to late-night snacking on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods – a common habit among Indonesian youth.

“

If sleep is delayed beyond this hour, the hormone melatonin will be replaced by other hormones such as leptin, which can increase appetite and cravings for food.

This cycle of insufficient sleep and poor dietary choices exacerbates the obesity problem. The article highlights that the energy consumed late at night is less likely to be burned off due to reduced physical activity, leading to fat storage. Furthermore, sleep deprivation is closely tied to increased stress levels, which in turn elevates cortisol production. Cortisol can interfere with melatonin, further worsening sleep quality and perpetuating the cycle. Dr. Widjaja stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between diet and stress management for overall well-being.

“

Excessive calorie intake at night becomes a problem in itself.

Interestingly, the public's focus has often been on the blue light emitted from electronic devices like smartphones as the primary culprit for sleep disturbances. However, recent scientific findings, including those cited from Stanford University's Jamie Zeitzer, suggest this concern might be overstated. While blue light does affect the circadian system, the intensity from modern screens is significantly lower than natural sunlight and its effect on delaying sleep is often minimal, lasting only minutes. This perspective challenges the common narrative and suggests that deeper issues related to lifestyle, stress, and eating habits are more significant contributors to sleep problems among Indonesian teenagers. Republika, as a publication focused on societal well-being, aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of these health issues, moving beyond simplistic explanations to address the complex interplay of factors affecting our youth.

“

Because of this, it is important to maintain balance, not only in diet but also in stress management.