Medical research studies in recent years have theorized that in adolescent years, teenagers need to sleep around 9 hours and 15 minutes every night. Not only that, but due to certain brain hormones being released, teens tend to need this sleep from around 11 PM until 8 AM. The later release of this hormone due to circadian rhythms makes it nearly impossible for high school aged students to fall asleep earlier than this time.
Why, then, with this well-known research do high schools still start on average at 7:15 AM? In a well documented study by the University of Minnesota, having a start time of 8:30 AM or later provides immense benefits to students. Students reported getting better grades and data showed a decrease in dropout rates and fewer cases of depression.
So go ahead! Get that extra hour of sleep, and see vast improvements in your students' academic performance and personal well being.
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