Changes to the circadian rhythm occur during adolescence, when most teens experience a sleep phase delay. This shift in teens' circadian rhythm causes them to naturally feel alert later at night, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11:00 pm. Since most teens wake up early for school and other commitments, this sleep phase delay can make it difficult to get the sleep teens need -- an average of 9 1/4 hours, but at least 8 1/2 hours. This sleep deprivation can influence the circadian rhythm; for teens the strongest circadian “dips” tend to occur between 3:00-7:00 am and 2:00-5:00 pm, but the morning dip (3:00-7:00 am) can be even longer if teens haven’t had enough sleep, and can even last until 9:00 or 10:00 am. Compound this with after-school activities, as well as ready access to technology, and teens nowadays are even more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation and circadian ‘dips’. However, teens are expected to be at school and fully attentive well before 9am, even though early starts prevent students from being their best 'learning selves'. On the other hand many social norms - such as work times for parents - are deeply connected to the 'early start' parttern, and many think that getting up early is an important part of self-discipline for young people. What do you think? Do you agree with the proposal?
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www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock
It is proposed that secondary school hours should start later to fit adolescent circadian rhythms