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(MS) - Chances are you know a student who is a serial snooze alarm presser. The reason for your child's behavior may not be as simple as his or her desire to test boundaries. Here are four common causes:

1. Depression: Depression can manifest itself in many symptoms. Trouble falling asleep or difficulty waking can be an indication. Children under stress, who've recently experienced loss, or who have attentional, learning, conduct, or anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for depression.

2. Retiring late: While there is no precise number of hours a person has to sleep to feel rested, the general consensus is anywhere between seven to nine hours per night.

3. Sleep disorder: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where the person briefly stops breathing during the night, restless leg syndrome or sleepwalking can interrupt the quality of sleep.

4. Avoidance: Sleep may be a way for a student to deal with extra stress or avoid something at school that is bothering him or her, such as a challenging teacher or a bully.

Exploring all of these possibilities can help parents figure out what may be at the basis of their child's reluctance to rise and shine on school days.