Many students struggle to wake up early for school, especially when classes start before 8:00 a.m. Teenagers need more sleep than adults, so starting school later would help them feel more rested. Schools should start later in the morning because it will improve students’ health, help them get better grades, and make them safer.

First, starting school later would help improve students’ health. Most teenagers fall asleep later because their extracurricular activities run later. Teens have sports, homework, and need to take care of themselves after school. Freshman, Brooke Sofilkanich said, “I don’t get home from basketball practice until 9:00 p.m, then I still have to shower, eat dinner, and do homework.” When school starts early, students are forced to wake up before they get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can cause many problems, such as headaches, stress, a weakened immune system, and difficulty concentrating. If school started later, teens could get 8-10 hours of sleep and feel healthier overall.

Second, students would perform better in school if they had more rest. When students are tired, it is harder for them to focus, remember information, and pay attention in class. Teachers may notice that sleepy students struggle to pay attention or participate in class. Studies have shown that schools with later start times often have better grades, attendance, and participation. Freshman from Saint John Vianney High School, Juliette Trapold said, “When I go to bed earlier and get more sleep, I feel like I do better in school.” When students get enough sleep, their brains function better, allowing them to learn better and get better grades on tests and assignments.

Lastly, starting school later can make students safer. Many high school students drive themselves or friends to school. Driving while tired could be dangerous. Driving while tired slows people’s reaction time. When students are better rested, they are more alert on the road. Students who are not extremely tired are less likely to fall asleep in class or feel overwhelmed during the school day.

Schools should start later because it benefits students in many ways. A later start time would improve teenagers’ health, help them get better grades, and increase their chances of being safe. By allowing students to get the sleep they need, schools can create a better learning environment and help students perform better.