Written By: Whitney Gage, BS, NDTR, Food City Dietetic Intern

Getting enough quality sleep is vital, especially for preteens and young teens. Sleep can help you feel rested, ready for school, and prepared for everything from homework to sports to hanging out with friends. Prioritizing sleep is important, and research suggests that the beverages you choose during the day may be connected to how well you sleep at night.

A recent four-year study found that teens who drank more sugar-sweetened beverages tended to have more sleep problems over time. Researchers also found links between higher sugary drink intake and poorer emotional well-being. The study does not prove that sugary drinks cause sleep problems, but it gives us another reason to pay attention to how often we reach for them. For teens, drinks can be a simple place to start making a realistic change.

Sweet drinks are everywhere, from juice during breakfast, to sweet tea at lunch, to soda with supper. In between meals, many teenagers enjoy lemonade after school, sports drinks during practice, or specialty lattes on the weekend, which can quickly sneak sugar in unnoticed. Consuming these drinks can easily become a daily habit, and it can feel daunting to start to look for other options when sugar sweetened beverages are so widely available. Instead of trying to cut out all sugary drinks, start with just one swap a day. Unsweet tea, milk, or sparkling water are all examples of other options to consider when possible.

Shopping at Food City can make that choice a little easier. The next time you visit the stores, look for the “No Sugar Added” tag to help you find options without added sugar. These tags are provided by Registered Dietitians to give you confidence in every item you buy. Remember, the goal is not perfection, and you do not have to give up your favorite drink forever. Try substituting just one sugary beverage for an option without added sugar and see how it fits into your routine. While one drink cannot guarantee a better night’s sleep, small steps can add up toward feeling your best and getting the rest your growing body needs.