The average high school start time in Michigan is 7.49AM. This early start time goes against the natural change in sleep and biological rhythms in the body of teens. Teens natural sleep-wake rhythms are ~3h delayed compared to an adult. In other words, the natural delay in the teens internal clocks, makes starting school at 8 AM for a teen, biologically equivalent for an adult to start working at 5-6 AM. 

Over 400 research studies, completed in the US, Europa, Asia and South America, have clearly established that too early middle and high school start times reduces academic outcome, attendance and accidents (sports and car). 

Districts who have delayed school start times have found improved academic outcome, increased attendance, less tardiness, and increased lifelong earnings. In addition, these districts have seen a reduction in mental health problems, violence, accidents (cars and sports) and drug use.

Delaying middle and high school start time has been found to benefit low-income students to a greater degree than high income students. This is in part due to an increase in school attendance of low-income students after school start time was delayed.

The SSLiM groups mission is to advocate for adequate school start times in Michigan.

Dr. Hoffmann is a research faculty at Michigan State University who studies how the body keeps track of time (biological rhythms), and how these rhythms change throughout life, including during puberty and pregnancy.

Dr. Hoffmann is an expert in the study of biological rhythms, and the importance of sleep for wellbeing, mental health, and reproductive function, including puberty.

To learn more about Dr. Hoffmann's research visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/hoffmann/ 

To support our work visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/hoffmann/Donate/ 

For more information contact : hanne@msu.edu