Why Should Schools Start Later In The Morning

Dear Mr. Blackshaw, After a long day of school, homework, and extracurricular activities, what is the one thing that most students need and want more of? Sleep. I am writing to you because students are not getting enough sleep at all, and this is becoming a concerning problem. Early school starting are negatively affecting students all around the globe, and there's only one solution: start school later. Sleep is a vital part for people in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.

Studies have repeatedly shown that everyone, especially those with developing brains, needs a good quality sleep. Can you believe that more than twenty-five percent of teenagers sleep less than 7 hours a night? A lack of sleep could lead to sleep deprivation, as well as increased anxiety and stress. Research shows that getting a poor quality sleep could mean an increased chance of high blood pressure, and it will alter our moods significantly. As a result, this will highly impact a student's performance in school in two major ways. Firstly, when students are in class, they may have trouble paying attention and concentrating in class, which leads to missing important information during a lesson. Secondly, lack of sleep weakens the immune system which leaves students vulnerable to the bacteria they are exposed to at school. Missed school days also play a big role in poor academic performances.

Without a doubt, starting school later in the day would cause a huge boost in students' performances, as well as their attitude towards learning. Studies clearly show that teenagers experience greater academic success when they begin school later in the morning. Scientists are touting the importance of sleep for students as a factor that directly affects a student's productivity, emotional wellness and ability to learn. Starting school later in the day could lead to a better learning environment for us all. Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with attention, memory, decision-making, organization, and creativity, all of which are clearly important for success in school. I believe that all schools, including ours, should begin later. With a good night’s sleep, students would have a better attendance rate, better grades, and a better attitude and perspective towards school and life. Every kid out there who are suffering from a lack of sleep are counting on you. I am counting on you.