Scientists Say School Starts Too Early

Recently, it was proven that teenage fatigue isn't just part of teenage angst, it's a legitimate problem. A recent study done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found the average American public school starts at 8 a.m. and only about one in five start at the recommended 8:30 a.m. This means that most middle and high schoolers aren't getting the adequate amount of sleep they need for proper concentration and health in general. 

Additionally, the American Academy for Pediatrics have conducted research that confirms adolescents have a biological need for more sleep than adults. In fact, the CDC have now said that depriving them of this extra sleep will have increasingly detrimental effects on their performance. 

Further, the AAP's report found that in 42 states, 75-100% of public schools start before 8:30 a.m. and the average start time itself is 8:03 a.m.

Louisiana was on the earliest end starting at 7:40 a.m. and Alaska was at the latest beginning at 8:33 a.m. 

The point to all of this is, if school starts later then it will allow these growing students to get the optimal amount of sleep they need which is 8.5 to 9.5 hours. 

The report shows data confirming that two thirds of high school students get less than eight hours of sleep per night and that can lead to enormous health issues. Among these issues we have lower academic performance (as previously mentioned), higher body weight, and a greater risk of substance abuse. 

Both the medical community and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan are in favor of changing the school start times. 

Duncan recently said to TIME, "It’s completely a local decision, but I’d like to see more school districts at least consider delaying start times." He continued, "A later start to the school day could help boost students’ academic performance and reduce tardiness and absenteeism. Our common sense tells us that sleepy students don’t do well in school, but the research also exists to back it up. Studies show that when students are rested, they are more alert and ready to learn."

Delaying the bell's ring is difficult for most schools and is very regularly criticized regarding the effects on extra curricular activities. 

But, we've always got to look on the positive side, right? And, lucky for us, there are schools who have made the change and seen legitimately positive improvements. 

For example, according to TIME, a 2014 University of Minnesota study illustrated that schools starting at 8:30 a.m. or later had 60% of students getting at least eight hours of sleep per night. What's more is teens who slept less stated having more behavioral/emotional issues. 

This won't be a simple task, and all parties involved are aware of that, but researchers say it can be very worthwhile. 

It will take time to educate parents, students, higher-ups, even teachers about the impacts lack of sleep can have on the health of young people. Once it's communicated that poor academic performance is one of the greatest risks, adoptions of later start times will likely be embraced. 

Happy back to school, everyone!

Main image source: wavebreakphotos / Shutterstock

Collage image source: 1. wavebreakphotos / Shutterstock 2. West Coast Surfer / Media Bakery