Better Sleep for Teens: A Guide for Parents

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Teenagers and sleep—it’s one of the most common struggles for families. Let's talk about how you can work together to improve it.

Last refreshed: August 27th, 2025 at 11:01 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Module 5: When Life Gets in the Way – Keeping Sleep on the Radar

What do you do when all the progress unravels? This final module is about recovery, not perfection. You’ll learn how to guide your teen back on track after setbacks, celebrate small wins, and stay steady when everything else feels messy. Sleep is a long game—and you’re already in it. Written and narrated by Mark Taylor - North Bedfordshire CAMHS Service - East London NHS Foundation Trust.

May 08, 2025•9 min•Ep. 5

Module 4: Screens, Social Lives, and the Power of Pause

Screens are the biggest barrier to teen sleep—and often the hardest thing to talk about. In this module, we look at how to set boundaries around tech without triggering rebellion. It’s not about banning devices—it’s about helping your teen create moments of pause, reflection, and rest. Written and narrated by Mark Taylor - North Bedfordshire CAMHS Service - East London NHS Foundation Trust.

May 08, 2025•8 min•Ep. 4

Module 3: Routines That Don’t Feel Like Rules

Bedtime battles aren’t really about bedtime. They’re about rhythm, autonomy, and trust. This episode shows you how to build consistent, flexible routines that your teen will actually engage with. You’ll learn how to anchor their sleep with simple habits that feel supportive—not controlling. Written and narrated by Mark Taylor - North Bedfordshire CAMHS Service - East London NHS Foundation Trust.

May 08, 2025•9 min•Ep. 3

Module 2: Reclaiming the Bedroom – Shaping the Sleep Space Together

Can small changes to a teen’s bedroom really improve sleep? Yes—if you approach them right. In this module, we explore how lighting, temperature, clutter, noise, and tech shape the brain’s ability to switch off. You’ll get practical, low-conflict ways to co-create a sleep-friendly space—without the eye-rolls. Written and narrated by Mark Taylor - North Bedfordshire CAMHS Service - East London NHS Foundation Trust.

May 08, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2

Module 1: Why Sleep is a Battle Worth Fighting For

Why do teens resist sleep—even when they’re exhausted? In this opening module, we unpack what’s really behind the late nights, the pushback, and the power struggles. You’ll learn what’s happening in their brains, why connection matters more than control, and how to start better sleep conversations—without turning it into a fight. Written and narrated by Mark Taylor - North Bedfordshire CAMHS Service - East London NHS Foundation Trust.

May 08, 2025•9 min•Ep. 1

Intro to the Program

Why is getting your teenager to sleep such a battle? You know they’re tired. You see the dark circles, the short fuse, the struggle to get out of bed. And yet—every night feels like a repeat performance: too much screen time, late-night scrolling, resistance to routine, and mornings that start with stress. This isn’t about laziness. And it’s not about bad parenting. Better Sleep for Teens is a practical, compassionate audio guide for parents who want to understand what’s really going on with tee...

May 07, 2025•2 min•Ep. 1

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