By Andie Bernhardt
Scientists all around the United States have proven that the human brain isn’t fully functional for learning until after 10 a.m. Five out of six middle and high schools in America start school before 8:30 a.m. Teenagers need as much sleep as possible, the more sleep they get, the more productive and happier they are.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers should get 9 ½ hours of sleep, but the amount of sleep the average teenager gets is about seven hours. Sleep deprivation leads to depression and stress, and with students balancing school, their family and jobs that usually doesn’t leave a lot of time for sleeping.
If school started at 10 a.m. it would be beneficial to kids’ educations. School starting earlier tends to make kids lazy and not motivated to do work. According to Mary Carskadon, a renowned expert on adolescent sleep, teens who get adequate sleep are less likely to be depressed, tardy, absent and drowsy. They get better grades and have fewer nutritional deficits, including obesity.
With later starting school times, grades would improve immensely and students would be more attentive. School would be more enjoyable for both the students and the teachers. Teachers wouldn’t have to deal with cranky, sleepy and lazy students. Happy teachers make happier students and happy students learn better.