Many school administrators believe that schools should start classes early in the morning, but I think otherwise.What I’m trying to say is that I disagree with the decision of most school administrators that school should start before 8 a.m.

This makes sense because middle and high school students brains need almost the same amount of sleep that toddlers need to grow properly.

Imagine an adolescent falling asleep during class and awakened due to the teacher calling his or her name. The student is then sent to the principal’s office. Not getting enough sleep causes sleep deprivation and this is all because of early school start times for adolescents.

But of course, I’m not the only one who thinks this way. According to Kyla Wahlstrom Ph.D., who has experience with The Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, College of Educational and Human Development, and The University of Minnesota, “Medical evidence suggests that an early school start time before 8:30 a.m. is a greater culprit because classes are occuring when students’ brains are still in biological sleep mode.” Kyla’s research proves that school classes start too early for students’ brains to function the way that they need to.

In the words of Alexandra Sifferlin, a reporter with Time.com, The new report shows that in 42 states, 75 – 100% of public schools started before 8:03 a.m.. Louisiana had the earliest start time at 7:40 a.m., and Alaska had the latest start time at 8:33 a.m..” Alexandra explains that many schools across the country start earlier than what many scientists are recommending to most schools.

This is not an isolated example, Alice park, another reporter with Time.com states, “… That’s why delaying school start times make more sense than enforcing earlier bedtimes. According to a 2006 National Sleep Foundation poll, 87% of high school students don’t get the recommended 9 to 10 hours of sleep they need to function at their best and promote healthy mental and physical development; most average around around seven hours of sleep on weeknights.The effects of that deprivation may show in their grades; about 30% of students report falling asleep in class at least once a week. Studies consistently connect less sleep with lower grades in school and on standardized tests.” Alice Park explains that school starting later would be easier for parents and students than going to bed early. She makes a very fair and logical point that about 30% of students are falling asleep in class, which is a grave concern.

Admittedly, some people think that this may not be the best idea, Washington Post states, “… Still, making this change costs money, too. One cost is for changing school bus schedules.It is estimated at $150 for each student each year. Another is a one- time cost of $110,000 per school to install equipment. For example, more lighting could be needed to support later classes and after school activities.” The Washington Post does make a fair claim. The costs may de larger than any administrators intend on paying, but just might be worth it. This quote may not sound reasonable, but everything is worthwhile. Although these changes may make you hesitant, the benefits far outweigh financial costs. Students would be more engaged in and focused leading to better grades, leading to better school funding.

In short, sleep deprivation is causing middle and high school students to have risky behaviors, not enough energy to become engaged in learning, and are not able to better their grades from not getting the required 9 to 10 hours of sleep. Adolescents should be able to come to school well-rested and ready to learn instead of falling asleep in class. We have a decision to make. We can either stick to the same school schedules before 8:00 a.m. and have students not give their best participation or we can fix  this problem and have adolescents healthy and well-rested for another good school day. I hope we choose wisely.