There are several practical hints and tips for parents that may help the teenager with sleep problems. Talking over worries may well help to put them into perspective.

• Try to impress on the teenager the importance of sleep and the need for at least eight hours' sleep on school nights
• encourage regular exercise - 20 minutes three times a week will help
• suggest a reduction of caffeine intake (in coke drinks as well as coffee)
• point out that eating too much or too little close to bedtime - an over full or empty stomach - may prevent sleep onset, or cause discomfort throughout the night
• try and get the teenager into a going to bed routine - suggest that doing the same things in the same order before going to sleep can help
• ensure a good sleep environment - a room that is dark, cool, quiet, safe and comfortable
• make sure the teenager has a comfortable bed. It may be time to get a new one - and encourage him or her to choose it themselves.
• don't give teenagers hand-me-down bedding. A good rule of thumb: if the bed's no longer good for its first user it's not good enough for a teenage child either.

Remember, habits learned in adolescence often become lifetime habits - so make sure good sleep habits are learned early.