As summer vacation approaches, families across the Commonwealth are preparing for a break from the daily school routines. However, the change in schedule may have lingering implications on children’s health, particularly their sleep patterns.
To discuss the impact of summer on sleep habits and overall well-being, Dr. Gene Beresin, a child psychiatrist and executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds, shared his insights on GBH’s Morning Edition.
Dr. Beresin emphasized the critical role that healthy sleep plays in the development of young brains. He noted that the human brain does not fully mature until around age 26, making adequate sleep essential for various cognitive and emotional functions. Good sleep is necessary for emotional regulation, proper reasoning, and even physical health, including immune system performance and motivation levels.
With summer bringing relaxation and unstructured schedules, many children may find themselves with altered sleep routines. Dr. Beresin highlighted the negative consequences of inconsistent sleep.
“The lack of sleep can cause anxiety and depression, and conversely, anxiety and depression can also disrupt sleep,” he explained. This cyclical relationship can lead to a heightened feeling of insecurity among children.
One of the overlooked benefits of the school environment is the structure it provides. Regular school hours foster a routine that includes designated sleep times, which can help maintain children’s emotional and psychological stability.
In light of these challenges, caregivers are encouraged to establish healthy sleep habits at home, even during the unstructured summer months. Dr. Beresin suggests that families engage in open conversations about the importance of sleep and other activities that impact overall well-being.
Families should collaboratively set guidelines around crucial sleep-related activities such as exercise and stress reduction. He warns against the effects of blue screens, which can interfere with the ability to fall asleep.
Moreover, spending quality time together and engaging in enjoyable activities are natural ways to promote better sleep quality. Dr. Beresin pointed out an often-overlooked condition known as summer seasonal affective disorder. Unlike its winter counterpart, which may lead to increased sleep and changes in appetite, summer seasonal affective disorder can result in difficulties sleeping or even insufficient sleep.
This phenomenon may arise from altered melatonin production in response to seasonal changes. In the winter months, increased melatonin leads to more sleep, while summer may result in reduced melatonin production, complicating sleep patterns, particularly for young individuals.
A notable focus during the discussion was on adolescents who often exhibit different sleep behaviors during the summer. It’s common to see teenagers sleeping late into the afternoon, especially after staying up late at night. So, is it beneficial for parents to let teens sleep longer?
Dr. Beresin affirmed that allowing teens to catch up on sleep can be a positive approach. He reminisced about the joys of being a teenager when staying up late and sleeping in was part of the summer experience.
“Getting the right amount of sleep, as long as it doesn’t disrupt family life or other important activities, is crucial,” he said. Recent studies indicate that it is feasible to recover lost sleep, including the recovery of REM or restorative sleep that was previously thought to be irretrievable. This suggests that letting teens sleep in may be an acceptable practice.
Ultimately, as families navigate the summer months, fostering open dialogues about sleep among family members and establishing healthy habits may prove invaluable for the well-being of children. In a time of relaxed routines, prioritizing sleep remains essential for young people’s growth and development.
Dr. Gene Beresin’s insights into the importance of sleep underscore the complexities of maintaining mental health through structured habits, particularly during times of transition. As families gear up for a fun-filled summer, keeping an eye on sleep patterns could lead to a happier and healthier season for all.
As the conversation concluded, Dr. Beresin reiterated the importance of maintaining healthy routines. Health and well-being are foundational for a thriving life, especially during critical developmental years, and each family has a role to play in supporting that journey.
image source from：https://www.wgbh.org/news/health/2025-06-06/how-to-help-your-kids-keep-a-healthy-sleep-schedule-this-summer
