A US study indicates that delaying the start of the school day helps improve sleep quality and enhance the performance of school students in middle and high school.
How School Timings Affect Students
A research study included 28,000 participants, consisting of parents and students across various educational levels, where school start times were adjusted to evaluate results after two years. The changes included:
- Delaying the start of the school day for high school students by 70 minutes.
- Delaying the start time for middle school students by 40 to 60 minutes.
- Advancing the start time for elementary school students by one hour.
Researchers focused their surveys on monitoring typical wake-up and sleep times on weekdays and weekends, in addition to measuring daytime sleepiness and sleep quality.
Results of Delayed School Starts by Educational Level
The response to timing changes varied based on the age group:
High school students
This group gained the most benefit, with their total weekly sleep increasing by 3.8 hours. 10% reported improved sleep quality, while 20% reported a decrease in daytime sleepiness. Additionally, compensatory sleep on weekends decreased by an average of 1.2 to 2 hours.
Middle school students
These students gained 2.4 additional hours of sleep per week, with a 12% decrease in daytime sleepiness.
Elementary school students
No changes occurred in the lifestyle or sleep patterns of these students after the school start time was advanced by one hour.
Researcher Recommendations to Improve Student Performance
Experts emphasized that sleep is a fundamental pillar for social development, general health, and academic achievement, despite the prevalence of sleep deprivation among teenagers and children. They noted that officials should determine healthy school start times that align with the needs of young people, especially with the implementation of remote learning systems.
FAQ
Do elementary school students benefit from changing sleep schedules?
The results showed that advancing the school start time by one hour did not change the sleep patterns or lifestyle of elementary school students.
How did delaying the school start affect high school students?
The delay contributed to an increase in weekly sleep by 3.8 hours and reduced daytime sleepiness for 20% of them.
Why do teenagers struggle to go to sleep early?
This difficulty is due to changes in sleep cycles during puberty, which makes waking up very early an obstacle to getting sufficient rest.
When to Consult a Doctor?
It is recommended to visit a specialist if the following signs appear in your children:
- Persistent and noticeable extreme sleepiness during daytime hours.
- Severe difficulty waking up despite getting enough hours of sleep.
- A sudden decline in academic achievement linked to sleep disorders.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team