Throughout the day, exhausted students struggle to get their work done. They push through yawns and try to force their eyes to focus on the small letters in their textbooks. Some students cannot ignore the need to sleep any longer, and fall into a restless nap that disappoints many teachers. The journey does not end at the bell as hundreds of students head home to do homework until midnight. This brutal routine begins all over again the next day at 5:30 A.M.

Many students, like sophomore Amber Tucci, are losing sleep over homework and the early start times. When asked if schools should start later, Tucci excitedly nodded her head. “Yes, because I need sleep! It [school] should start at 9 A.M.” said Tucci. “That would mean more sleep, and I could focus better. I would probably get better grades.”

Now the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, is advocating a need that is often overlooked. A recent policy statement from AAP talks about the many issues that sleep deprivation can cause. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes insufficient sleep in adolescents as an important public health issue that significantly affects the health and safety, as well as the academic success, of our nation’s middle and high school students,” the policy stated.

According to the AAP, 89% of high school students get less than the recommended 8.5 hours of sleep. This can lead to an increased chance of depression, car accidents, and lower grades. In other words, less sleep leaves room for anxiety, obesity, and many other physical and mental problems.

High schools that start later in other states have seen a positive reaction to later start times. In some states, car crashes decreased as much as 70%! Students were less likely to drink, do drugs, and commit other risky behaviors. Grades, on average, increased, and students were able to focus better.

The overwhelming evidence suggests that schools need to start later to benefit students. There would be less car crashes, better grades, and students would be healthier.

For more information, visit these sites:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/08/19/peds.2014-1697.full.pdf+html

http://online.wsj.com/articles/teens-need-later-start-to-school-day-doctors-group-says-1408939263