Why school should start later for teens | Wendy Troxel

Recent questions

• What are the effects of sleep deprivation?

  Sleep deprivation can have significant negative effects on both physical and mental health. In teenagers, chronic lack of sleep is linked to moodiness and irritability, which can impact their social interactions and academic performance. Furthermore, research indicates that sleep-deprived teens are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The consequences extend beyond mood, as studies have shown that sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, such as alcohol use, and raises the risk of severe outcomes, including suicide attempts. Overall, the importance of adequate sleep cannot be overstated, particularly for adolescents who are undergoing critical developmental changes.

• How much sleep do teenagers need?

  Teenagers typically require between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to support their growth, learning, and overall well-being. This sleep requirement is crucial as adolescents undergo significant physical and cognitive development during these years. However, research indicates that only about 10% of American teenagers meet this recommended amount, largely due to early school start times that disrupt their natural sleep patterns. The biological changes that occur during adolescence, including a shift in melatonin release, cause many teens to feel sleepy later in the evening, making it challenging for them to wake up early. Ensuring that teenagers get enough sleep is essential for their health, academic success, and emotional stability.

• Why do schools start so early?

  Schools often start early due to a combination of historical practices, logistical considerations, and societal norms. Traditionally, early start times were established to accommodate various factors, such as transportation schedules and after-school activities. However, these early hours do not align with the natural sleep cycles of adolescents, who biologically tend to feel more alert later in the day. As a result, many students struggle to wake up early, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Advocates for later school start times argue that prioritizing student health and well-being should take precedence over outdated scheduling practices, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of school policies to better support the needs of teenagers.

• What are the benefits of later school start times?

  Implementing later school start times can yield numerous benefits for students, particularly in terms of their health and academic performance. Research has shown that when schools start later, students tend to get more sleep, which can lead to a reduction in absenteeism by approximately 25%. Additionally, academic performance often improves, with studies indicating an increase of 2-3 percentage points in grades. Furthermore, later start times have been associated with a significant decrease in car crash rates among teenage drivers, highlighting the safety benefits of allowing students to be more alert during their commutes. Overall, shifting school start times to later in the morning can create a more conducive learning environment and promote better health outcomes for adolescents.

• How can parents help teens sleep better?

  Parents can play a crucial role in helping their teenagers achieve better sleep by establishing consistent bedtime routines and creating a sleep-friendly environment. Encouraging a regular sleep schedule, where teens go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, can help regulate their internal clocks. Additionally, limiting screen time before bed is essential, as the blue light emitted by devices can interfere with melatonin production and make it harder for teens to fall asleep. Creating a calm and dark sleeping environment, free from distractions, can also promote better sleep quality. Finally, parents should engage in open conversations about the importance of sleep and its impact on health and academic performance, fostering an understanding of why prioritizing sleep is vital during these formative years.