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Not getting enough sleep is a common issue among high school students. Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on their health and academic performance. Early school start times are at least one of the contributing factors to this problem.

The National Sleep Foundation and other health organizations recommend that adolescents get around 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is essential for staying alert in the classroom and while participating in extracurricular activities, including sports. When students are well-rested, they can concentrate better and perform at their best.

Sleep-deprived teens are more likely to experience drowsy driving, which can be dangerous. Fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making skills, making it a significant risk factor for accidents. Sleep plays a critical role in consolidating memories and learning. A well-rested student is more likely to retain information and perform better academically. There is also a clear link between sleep and mental health. Sleep deprivation is linked to an increased risk of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation exacerbates feelings of depression and anxiety. Chronic sleep problems may contribute to further mental health issues and even increase the risk of suicidality among teenagers.

Efforts have been made to address this issue by advocating for later school start times for high school students. Research suggests that starting school later in the morning aligns better with teenagers’ natural sleep patterns.  Later start times would likely lead to improved academic performance and better overall health of high school students. 

State Representative John Ray Clemmons proposed legislation on the school start time issue, while no legislator opposed his claims, they did not want the state to require a specific start time for all school districts. Implementing such changes could be challenging due to logistical and budgetary constraints in many school districts. Legislators need to revisit the issue.

High school students often have a heavy school workload and participate in extracurricular activities, leaving them with limited time for homework, relaxation, and sleep. Early mornings can intensify this issue.

In Nashville, most Metro Nashville Public Schools high school campuses start their school day at 7:05 in the morning. Metro Nashville Public Schools has the earliest high school start in the United States. This problem also leaves young educators with their own childcare issues.

The new mayor of Nashville, Freddie O’Connell has stated that he would push for later high school start times. While we agree with the position, the only elected people who could make such a policy change are the Director of Schools and the school board.  He needs to push the later school time issue at the Board of Education. 

Early school start times are a significant factor contributing to sleep deprivation among high school students, with various negative consequences for their health and well-being. Likewise, teachers would be able to teach a better-rested, and more alert student. Addressing this issue will be an important challenge for educators, parents, and policymakers.

It’s important for parents, educators, and policymakers to recognize the significance of sleep in the lives of teenagers and take steps to support their sleep needs. By doing so, we can help improve their mental and physical health, as well as their overall educational experience.

JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville.