In February, when I (Thomas Franich) went to the library to look up a comic recommended by one of my students, I picked up (as usual): Scientific American Read our February editorial, Put Your Teens to Sleep. The editors advocated delaying school start times based on overwhelming evidence that teens are biologically more likely to go to bed and wake up later than other age groups. The editors pushed for the change because a later start time could improve student health and academic performance.
I’m thrilled to hear others stand by what I’ve been advocating for over a decade. Because, as a high school teacher, I know this is an important issue for my students. They are people who rarely (if ever) have an opinion on the policies that shape their daily lives.
This is why I gave this passage to students in my physics and biology classes and asked them to read it and compare the claims to their own experiences. We had such a fascinating conversation on the subject that I asked them to write to the editor. Siam to share their thoughts.
What they wrote was enlightening.
Students found themselves exhausted from the moment they woke up in the morning (around 6am on average) to the moment they finally went to sleep (mostly around 1am the next day). They told me they felt foggy, they felt like lead, they were tired, but they couldn’t sleep for hours. However, a few days later snow caused a 2 hour delay. The students began to sleep soundly. By the end of the class, she said she felt refreshed, more alert, and more aware, and attributed that change to more sleep. I noticed a change too. They were more attentive, more enthusiastic, more connected. At 37, I am also old to them, and I have a hard time waking up on time. So if every day were as good as it was then my students would absorb new knowledge much better than they do now.
We need data-driven school schedules across Albuquerque public school districts, not just Sandia High School. And fortunately for our students, our school district is listening. After years of starting at 7:25 a.m., Sandia students will start at 8:40 a.m. next year.The rest of the district’s high schools will also have later start times, adding 23,000 high school students in the district. The body needs to take a rest.
Students are generally energized by this announcement. They are highly motivated academically and believe they can achieve better grades. They think next year will be a more “calm” year. Most importantly, they think they can learn better and retain more knowledge. Some are worried about how extracurricular activities will be affected and how employers will adjust after-school schedules. Some students worry about how their families will adjust to the new schedule because they have siblings who start school at different times. Still, while there are nuances to work out, I agree with the superintendent in his letter to the community: ”
My students are hopeful for a better future and I look forward to seeing how the data from the school changes in the years to come. Public policy needs to provide as much scientific data as possible, and despite decades of delays, I’m very happy that our students’ dreams are finally becoming a reality.
But please don’t take it away from me. Here’s what some of my students said about sleep, school start times, and student life.
Christina Cardiel, Grade 9:
With school hours postponed next year, we truly believe that our students will be able to get enough sleep, one of the most important times for their bodies to grow and repair. But even with new school start time, parents can let their children take a 30-minute nap after school to recharge their energy and make up for lost sleep during the night. I’m glad that there is a proper time set so that parents can drop off and pick up their children while they go to work. Class hours are from 8:40 am to 3:40 pm, which allows you to be active and learn all day long, and even with after-school activities, finish early enough to allow you to do homework and rest. I think it’s perfect.
Aria Carson, Grade 9:
Walking down the halls of my high school on a typical day, you’ll almost certainly hear the heartbreaking mutter of “I’m tired” over and over again. On average, many students have trouble concentrating in early morning classes and tend not to absorb the information that will be tested later. A few months ago, when the weather delayed the start of school by an hour or two, my peers and I felt much more enthusiastic and attentive. Although the schedule change is relatively small, this time can have far-reaching benefits. My school district just adopted a delayed start time for the new school year. We hope this serves as an example for other districts that this change is possible and desirable. Perhaps more advocacy on the issues discussed in Put Teenagers to Sleep, and against politicians (who tend to bring up issues like suicide, obesity, and low test scores in campaign speeches) backed up by data. A clear explanation with a sense of urgency would support policy. A healthier school schedule.
Marcos Martinez, Grade 11:
I believe that the idea of giving teens more sleep, and the data that supports it, is an important step towards improving the education system. I hope other school districts understand the importance of rest and help my classmates, myself, and future generations live healthier, happier lives through our teenage years. I’m relieved that I will be able to sleep a little more in my future schedule. While I only think about sleep, I worry less about having to learn all the time. I was happy to complete Mr. Franich’s task and write to him. scientific american, And I am proud to have a teacher who cares about me and my friends’ mental health. Trying to make change can be daunting, especially when it comes to adult-made policies and procedures. Having an adult teach us how to make a difference creates hope and a renewed passion to make our world better.
Chian Mendoza, Grade 11:
After years of research and evidence, it is clear that we not only deserve change, we need change. I suffered from severe sleep deprivation throughout middle school and high school. And I have seen many of my classmates talk every day about how tired they are and how little they sleep. I believe that not only does lack of sleep affect your mood and attention at school, but it also affects your academic performance. When I was in junior high school, I began to have trouble sleeping, became forgetful and depressed, and my grades gradually began to decline. Despite the best efforts of me, my doctor and my therapist, this continued into high school. Despite stereotypes, most teens don’t party or stay up late every night. This is not a political issue, it is a teenager’s health issue. Due to school district policy, the high school start time has been changed from 7:25am to approximately 8:40am. For a long time, bus drivers had to start school earlier, so why can’t elementary school start earlier? Young children’s natural sleep cycles are faster than most teens. Our school board members and I are aware that this change will affect the operation of our school system in many ways, but overall it will affect the mental and physical health of our teens and teachers. It should bring benefits and enable students to take another step towards a more effective education. I want this change to be nationwide, so that every young American has the opportunity for a healthier life and a better future.
Sakari Morris, Grade 11:
When I get more sleep, I have more energy and want to study more than usual. I also felt better and slept better the next night. Recently, when the snow made him two hours late, the atmosphere in the class and hallways was good, and everyone was focused on class and work. I am looking forward to next year. I think it would be much better to start work at 8:40 am. Also, I think attendance will improve because people won’t be late or skip the first period as much as they are now. many. I am in favor of a delayed start time because I feel I am doing something different for my 3rd grade and I feel I can be a part of something that can make a difference. I am really proud to be here. It also allows me to express my opinion and it feels like it is being listened to, so I don’t know if I’m just a kid who doesn’t know what I’m saying or I’m just overreacting. It’s cool because I feel like I’m not treated like that. .
Christian Ramirez-Acabar, Grade 11:
Who would have thought that sleep could be so important to our mental health? I never thought sleep was just a way to regain energy. I was severely depressed during the first and second years of junior high school. There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed. When my symptoms got worse and I became mentally debilitated, my mother let me sleep for an extra hour. But that one hour of sleep for her was indescribably helpful. I felt happy, I felt alive, I wanted to go to school, I could do anything, I could write a 10-page essay and breathe. Recently, the school board passed a new bill to change the start time from 7:25am to 8:40am. Many of my colleagues are upset about this, saying their work is more important. Even my mom is upset about this because she’s worried about going to appointments after school. However, she feels that this has the potential to greatly benefit our education and restore our mental health. Even if not, it was a great experiment to try.
This is an opinion and analysis article and the views expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the author. Scientific American.
