The American Medical Association (AMA) has recently endorsed a notable shift in school start times, advocating for later schedules to enhance adolescent health and well-being. If you’ve ever struggled to rouse your teenager in the morning, you’re not alone. Research indicates that teens are naturally inclined to stay awake late into the night and sleep in during the morning. It’s about time we recognize this biological reality.
As highlighted by a study from UCLA, prior to puberty, adolescents typically feel sleepy by 8:00 or 9:00 PM. However, once puberty hits, this internal clock shifts, making it more common for them to feel tired around 10:00 or even 11:00 PM. This phenomenon, known as “sleep phase delay,” means that the need for sleep is effectively pushed back by about two hours.
The AMA points out that this shift creates significant challenges for teens who are expected to perform academically early in the day. Alarmingly, around 10% of high schools in the U.S. start classes at or before 7:30 AM. Even with a more common start time of 8:30 AM, how can students achieve the recommended 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep if they’re not winding down until after 11 PM?
The AMA’s new policy advocates that middle and high schools should not commence classes before 8:30 AM. This initiative also encourages healthcare professionals to inform parents, educators, and community members about the critical importance of sleep for mental and physical health in adolescents, based on their unique biological needs.
Lack of sleep is associated with numerous health challenges. According to the AMA, insufficient rest can lead to poor memory, mood disorders, and heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in those who get less than six hours of sleep per night. So, it’s not just teenage angst; there’s actually a scientific basis for their morning grogginess.
William J. Thompson, a member of the AMA Board, emphasizes that while transitioning to later start times may be emotionally charged and challenging for schools and families, the health benefits for adolescents overwhelmingly outweigh potential drawbacks.
For those interested in learning more about the implications of these changes, check out our previous post here. And if you’re considering home insemination, reputable retailers like Make a Mom offer excellent options for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC provides valuable information regarding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the AMA’s call for later school start times stems from an understanding of the biological needs of teenagers. Prioritizing adequate sleep can lead to improved mental and physical health, making a significant difference in adolescents’ lives.
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