Why Experts Say Schools Should Let Teens Sleep In
Picture this: A high school student drags themselves out of bed at 6 a.m., bleary-eyed and half-asleep, to catch the school bus. By third period, they’re struggling to stay awake during a biology lecture. Sound familiar? For decades, early school start times have been the norm, but a growing chorus of voices—from scientists to parents—is demanding change. The argument is simple: Schools should start later to align with teenagers’ natural sleep rhythms. But who exactly supports this idea, and why?
The Science Behind the Movement
Let’s start with the experts. Pediatricians, sleep researchers, and organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have long advocated for later school start times. Their reasoning? Biology.
During adolescence, hormonal shifts delay the body’s internal clock, making it harder for teens to fall asleep before 11 p.m. and nearly impossible to wake up refreshed at 6 a.m. Dr. Mary Carskadon, a renowned sleep researcher, compares forcing teens into early schedules to “asking them to function in a permanent state of jet lag.” Studies show that sleep-deprived teens face higher risks of depression, anxiety, obesity, and even car accidents. The AASM recommends that middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m., but as of 2023, fewer than 20% of U.S. high schools meet this guideline.
Educators and Administrators Join the Choir
It’s not just scientists pushing for change. School districts that have shifted start times report measurable benefits. In 2016, Seattle Public Schools moved start times from 7:50 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Researchers from the University of Washington found that students gained an average of 34 minutes of sleep per night, improved grades, and showed better attendance.
Teachers also notice a difference. “When students are well-rested, they’re more engaged,” says Jessica Rodriguez, a high school English teacher in California. “Fewer heads are on desks, and more hands are raised.” Even the National Education Association (NEA) has endorsed later start times, citing improved academic performance and mental health.
Parents and Students Speak Up
For families, the issue hits close to home. Many parents describe morning battles to get teens out of bed, followed by chaotic scrambles to catch buses. “My son used to fall asleep at the dinner table,” shares Linda Carter, a mother of two in Ohio. “After his school shifted start times by an hour, his mood and energy levels completely changed.”
Students themselves are vocal advocates. Petitions and social media campaigns led by teens have pressured school boards nationwide. “We’re not lazy—we’re exhausted,” argues 16-year-old activist Maya Johnson. “Starting school later isn’t about getting ‘extra’ sleep; it’s about getting enough sleep to function.”
The Surprising Allies
Even businesses and sports coaches are joining the movement. Coffee shops near schools with early starts often see lines of drowsy teens buying energy drinks—a trend some health advocates call alarming. Meanwhile, coaches observe that sleep-deprived athletes are more prone to injuries. “Well-rested students perform better, both in class and on the field,” says Coach Mark Thompson from a Texas high school.
Addressing the Critics
Of course, not everyone is on board. Opponents argue that later schedules disrupt after-school jobs, childcare routines, or sports practices. Others worry about transportation costs or conflicts with elementary school bus schedules.
But many of these concerns have workarounds. For example, some districts stagger bus routes or partner with community organizations for after-school programs. In Minnesota, the Minneapolis Public School District adjusted elementary start times earlier to accommodate high schools shifting later—a model other regions are now copying.
The Road Ahead
Change is slow but happening. States like California and Florida have passed laws encouraging later start times, while districts in Virginia, Colorado, and New Jersey report success post-implementation. Internationally, countries like Australia and the U.K. are also reevaluating school schedules.
The takeaway? The push to delay school start times isn’t a fringe idea—it’s a data-backed movement supported by medical experts, educators, families, and students themselves. As research continues to highlight the dangers of sleep deprivation, more communities are rethinking the status quo.
In the end, it’s about prioritizing health and learning over tradition. Or, as one student put it: “If schools want us to succeed, they need to let us sleep.” After all, a well-rested student isn’t just a happier one—they’re more likely to become a thriving adult.
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