It’s no secret that getting enough sleep every night can have a positive impact on a student's mental health and well-being, but do later start times also positively impact academic performance? In the United States of America, early school start times are the norm- especially for middle school and high school students.
Later school start times are more typical in European countries, where the school day generally begins at least an hour later. This difference raises important questions about the impact of school start times on students' overall success and health.
School Start Times in the United States vs Other Countries
In most school districts in the United States, it's quite common for middle and high school start times to be around 7:30 AM. This means many students have to rise before the sun to catch the bus or drive to school which can be challenging for teenagers who need more hours of sleep than they will the rest of their lives to help fuel a time of fast physical and emotional growth.
On the other hand , schools in European countries begin later, typically around 8:30 or 9:00 AM. This additional hour or more in the morning can significantly impact how well students rest and how alert they feel throughout the day. For instance, schools in Finland – renowned for their education system – commence around 9:00 AM. Similar practices can be observed in countries like Spain and Germany where the school day starts later giving students the opportunity to get rest.
This variation in start times poses a question: could a delayed start benefit students well being and academic performance?
Why Do Teenagers Need So Much Sleep?
Teenagers are notorious for wanting to sleep in and stay up late, but this isn't just a matter of preference—it's a biological necessity. Insufficient sleep can be especially damaging for adolescents, as they need a much higher amount of sleep than both children and adults. Healthy sleep and a long enough sleep duration are absolutely necessary for middle and high schoolers. Here are a few of the big reasons that teenagers need so much sleep:
Changing Circadian Rhythms
During adolescence, the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, shifts. This natural shift makes teenagers' sleep patterns shift, so they feel more awake later at night which causes them to want to sleep in later in the morning. This is why your teenager might struggle to fall asleep before 11 PM, even if they have an early wake-up time. The shift in their circadian rhythm makes it difficult for them to get enough rest when school starts early.
Brain Development
The teenage brain is undergoing significant development. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information learned during the day, supports memory formation, and clears out toxins. This brain development is crucial for cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and overall mental health. Without sufficient sleep, teenagers may struggle with memory, learning, and mood stability.
Physical Growth and Development
Teenagers experience rapid physical growth spurts, and sleep is essential for this development. Growth hormone, which is vital for bone and muscle development, is primarily released during deep sleep. Adequate sleep supports physical health, helping teens grow properly and maintain their strength and energy levels for sports and daily activities.
Emotional Regulation
Adolescence is a time of emotional upheaval and heightened sensitivity. Sufficient sleep helps teenagers manage their emotions better, reducing the likelihood of mood swings, irritability, and even depression. Sleep-deprived teens are more prone to anxiety and stress, which can affect their relationships and academic performance. Getting enough sleep helps stabilize their mood and improves their overall emotional well-being.
Immune System Function
A strong immune system is vital for fighting off illnesses, and sleep plays a critical role in maintaining it. Teenagers who do not get enough sleep are more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are proteins that help combat infections and inflammation. Adequate rest ensures that teens' bodies can effectively ward off illnesses and recover more quickly when they do get sick.
The Benefits of Starting School Later
There is no shortage of benefits that come with later school start times:
Improved Academic Performance
When teenagers get enough rest, they are more attentive, focused, and prepared for learning. Research indicates that rested students tend to get test scores, earn higher grades, and are more likely to excel in extracurricular activities as well.
The rationale is straightforward. Sleep aids in the processing and retention of information learned throughout the day. When teenagers have healthy sleep habits and a good sleep schedule, they can reason clearly, solve problems with more ease, and retain learned material effectively. This can result in enhanced comprehension of subjects and overall academic performance improvement.
Better Mental Health
Mental health is a major concern for teenagers, and sleep plays a super important role in maintaining it. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. When the first period begins at later times, teenagers can get the rest they need to manage their emotions better.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, well-rested teens are generally happier and more resilient. They are better equipped to handle the pressures of school, social life, and extracurricular activities. Adequate sleep can reduce the likelihood of mood swings and help teens maintain a positive outlook on life.
Enhanced Physical Health
Getting sleep is crucial for the physical health of teenagers. While asleep, the body carries out important functions like repairing tissues, building muscle, and bolstering the immune system. Teenagers who consistently get enough sleep are less prone to illnesses and can recover faster from any health issues they may face.
Proper sleep also supports growth and development, which is particularly important during adolescence. By delaying school start times, teenagers can enhance their health, boost their energy levels, for sports and other activities, and minimize the likelihood of health issues stemming from lack of sleep.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
Sleep deprivation can lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction times, which are particularly dangerous for teenage drivers. Early school start times often mean teens are driving to school while still groggy and not fully awake. By starting school later, teens can be more alert and focused on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
This not only makes the roads safer for teen drivers but also for everyone else. Ensuring that teenagers are well-rested before they get behind the wheel is a crucial safety measure that can save lives.
Improved Attendance and Participation
Another major benefit of starting school later is improved attendance and participation in school. When teenagers get enough sleep, they are less likely to skip school or arrive late. Chronic tardiness and skipping entire school days are common issues in schools with early start times.
With more sleep, teens are more likely to wake up on time, feel motivated to attend classes and engage actively in their education. Improved attendance also means fewer missed lessons, which means students are likely to experience academic success and an overall more positive school experience.
Better Relationships
Sleep has a profound impact on social interactions and relationships. Tired teens are often irritable and less patient, which can strain relationships with family, friends, and teachers. By starting school later and allowing teens to get enough sleep, they can be more pleasant, cooperative, and empathetic.
This can lead to healthier relationships and a more supportive social environment. Positive relationships are crucial for a teenager’s emotional well-being and can contribute to a happier and more fulfilling school life.
Increased Extracurricular Involvement
Starting school later can encourage greater involvement in after-school activities. When teens are well-rested, they have more energy and enthusiasm for after-school sports, clubs, and hobbies.
These activities are essential for developing important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. By aligning school schedules with teens' natural sleep patterns, schools can help students balance academics and extracurricular activities more effectively.
Mountain Heights Academy: Flexible Scheduling to Enhance Learning
Mountain Heights Academy stands out by offering a flexible schedule that allows students to complete school work at times that best fit their and their family's schedules. All coursework for each week is due by 6:00 PM each Friday, giving students the freedom to manage their time effectively. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students who thrive under less rigid schedules and those who may have other commitments during traditional school hours.
Visit Mountain Heights Academy To Enroll Your Teen in Utah’s Premier Online School
Visit Mountain Heights Academy to enroll your teen in Utah’s premier online school. Offering flexible schedules, personalized learning plans, and a supportive virtual community, Mountain Heights Academy ensures your teenager receives a top-quality education from the comfort of home. Our innovative approach caters to individual needs, helping students thrive academically and personally. Join us today and give your teen the advantage of an exceptional online education.