Why We Should Start Later Essay

Waking up and going to school early after only a couple hours of sleep, day after day, can cause serious problems for teens. Over the last few years, new studies have found that lack of sleep has more effects than just the obvious tiredness. Doctors and scientists around the country say that insufficient sleep can lead teens to make poor decisions such as drug use and not exercising. Other studies have found that students tend to be happier and more involved with their learning when their school has a later starting time. It improves focus and also increases energy levels for sports later in the day. Later start times for schools are needed because lack of sleep in teens can prevent them from focusing and working their hardest in school as
well as cause serious problems throughout their lives. First, not getting enough sleep can cause teens to have poor judgement and not make good decisions in everyday life. According to the CDC, almost 70% of teenagers don’t get the recommended amount of sleep, which is 8 or more hours (Wallace). Sleepy teens may be more likely to drink and drive or ride in cars with a driver who is drunk. Along with this, they may use drugs or cigarettes. They could also be more likely to get involved in unnecessary conflicts with other people. Even small choices could be difficult for teens without proper rest. These include forgetting to wear a seatbelt, texting and driving, or not wearing a helmet on a bike, all of which can lead to serious injury. Starting later can improve students’ grades significantly.
A study by the University of Minnesota on over 9,000 students found that later start times led to better performance in high school teens. Minneapolis high schools changed their start times from 7:15 to 8:40am, which ultimately led to higher grades on tests and quizzes and elevated graduation and attendance rates (Sohn). When teens are well rested, they are able to focus more in class, starting earlier in the day. They won't have to rely on caffeine and energy drinks as much, which can be harmful to teens’ health. Along with improvements in academics, later start times can be associated with higher energy levels, leading to better physical performance in sports and other extracurricular
activities. Lastly, later starting times could increase happiness and motivation. Teens tend to be more depressed if they don’t sleep for the recommended 8 hours or more. The boost of happiness from sleeping longer and starting later could increases students’ motivation levels, making them more prepared and eager to learn. They raise their hands more to answer or ask questions, contributing to their education. Plus, happier teens get along better with teachers and family members, helping relationships. On the other hand, people may argue that later starting times will cause trouble to schools and families.
For example, if school started an hour later than its current time, all sports events would be delayed by an hour. Families are also accustomed to early starting times and change to these could throw them off. Other people may argue that teens could just go to bed earlier. These issues can be avoided by a compromise. Studies show that even setting the start times back by even just 30 minutes can boost performance and make teens feel much happier (Sohn). Teens shouldn’t have to go to bed earlier because melatonin levels shift in adolescents, meaning it is difficult to fall asleep before
11pm. In conclusion, schools should start later, even if it is only by 30 minutes, because it could dramatically increase student performance as well as happiness and health. Multiple studies have shown that allowing students to sleep in longer also boosts their motivation and readiness to learn. Not only would this help with school, but teens who don't get enough sleep tend to make poor decisions which can impact them in many ways. Although there are arguments against later starting times, such as it may be troublesome for schools and families, the positives outweigh the negatives, and over time the problems would lessen. Later school starting times would be a great investment that all high schools should make.