Lisa Maltman brings sleep health education to thousands of Australian teens and parents. She reveals why 70% of teens aren't getting enough sleep, tackling technology designed to keep them scrolling, packed schedules treating sleep as leftover time, and sleep disorders mistaken for ADHD.

Collett and Lisa discuss the "Can't Sleep vs Won't Sleep" framework, social jet lag from weekend sleep-ins, and why tired teen drivers are as impaired as drunk drivers. You'll hear practical tools like family sleep diaries, Connor's story of misdiagnosed sleep apnoea, and why "revenge bedtime procrastination" steals everyone's rest. Real solutions for tired teens.

Key Takeaways:

Sleep is foundational for physical health, mental well-being, and academic and athletic performance.
Around 70% of teens fail to get adequate sleep, largely due to technology and time management issues.
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can profoundly impact behavior and mental health; professional help is available and recommended.
Maintaining consistent sleep schedules, even on weekends, can help mitigate "social jet lag" in teenagers.
Parents can model good sleep habits and assist teens in understanding the importance of adequate rest by engaging in open conversations about sleep.

Notable Quotes:

"Sleep impacts so much, and ironically, the time I was working for a sleep company, I developed insomnia."
"Elite athletes will actually get someone to come in and talk to them about how improving their sleep will give them the competitive edge."
"The logical part of our brain's not really working, so we just go: 'whatever', and that cycle can continue."
"Because when you're tired, it is the same as being over the limit with alcohol."
"My biggest hope is that they all completely understand the impact that sleep has on their physical health, mental health, and performance."

Resources:

The Sleep Connection: Lisa Maltman’s initiative, offering programs focused on educating students, parents, and corporations about sleep health.
Woolcock Medical Institute: Leaders in Breathing and Sleep Research

Click here to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here to contact the Raising Teens team.

Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice.

Visit Raising Teens for more resources, click here for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook.

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