In a recent statement, the American Medical Association (AMA) has endorsed later start times for schools, aiming to enhance the well-being of teenagers. Adolescents often struggle to rise early for school, and research suggests that their biological clocks are naturally inclined to stay up late and wake up later.
Dr. Alex Johnson, a leading sleep researcher, explains, “Prior to puberty, children typically feel sleepy around 8:00 or 9:00 PM. However, once puberty begins, this natural sleep rhythm shifts, causing teens to feel tired around 10:00 or even 11:00 PM.” This phenomenon, known as “sleep phase delay,” delays the need for sleep by roughly two hours.
The AMA has identified this issue as critical, especially since about 10% of high schools in the U.S. start classes at or before 7:30 AM. With the average teenager requiring 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night, how can they possibly achieve that when their bodies resist sleep until after 11 PM?
The AMA’s new policy encourages school districts nationwide to set start times for middle and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of healthcare professionals in educating parents, teachers, and community members about sleep’s vital importance for adolescent mental and physical health, given their unique biological needs.
Insufficient sleep is linked to various physical and psychological problems. The AMA highlights that lack of sleep can lead to memory issues and mood disorders, with symptoms of anxiety and depression becoming more pronounced in those who get less than six hours of sleep each night. It’s clear that the exhaustion teens exhibit in the morning is not merely teenage drama; it has a scientific basis.
Dr. Emily Carter, a member of the AMA board, remarks, “Though changing school start times may incite emotional responses and challenges for families and communities, the health benefits for adolescents significantly outweigh any potential drawbacks.”
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In summary, the AMA’s push for delayed school start times aims to align with adolescents’ natural sleep patterns, promoting their overall health and well-being.