Early Start, Tired Minds

Every weekday, millions of teenagers walk into a classroom before the sun is fully up, not because they’re ready to learn, but because that’s when school starts

As schools continue to emphasize academic achievement and mental health, adjusting start times may be one of the simplest ways to support both.

“I have to get up earlier than everyone else. People should not be waking up before the sun does,” freshman Violet Valentine explains. “Why am I going to bed at night and waking up at night?”

Studies have shown that when teens don’t get enough sleep, it impacts their focus, memory, and even emotions. The result is a generation of students who are expected to perform at their best while operating on a sleep deficiency.

“Students' brains would be more awake if they got the sleep they fully require to learn properly,” freshman Eva Rodriguez claims.

By allowing students to begin their day later, schools could improve attendance, reduce tardiness, and promote better academic outcomes, all by simply giving students the rest their brains need.

“Your cognitive thinking skills usually start to function at their full power at nine A.M.,” Valentine, again, voices. “Many students just need more time to sleep, they can’t eat in the mornings which is not healthy for the body.”

When students are better rested, they're more likely to make healthier choices, such as eating breakfast, exercising, and staying engaged throughout the day. 

Prioritizing sleep by adjusting school schedules isn't just an academic issue, it's a public health issue that affects students' ability to thrive both in and out of the classroom.