Researchers Recommend Later School Start Times

A study by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore suggests that secondary schools and junior colleges should start their academic day no earlier than 8:30 AM. This recommendation stems from extensive research highlighting the detrimental effects of insufficient sleep on adolescent health and well-being.

The research indicates that Singaporean secondary school students report sleeping an average of 6.5 hours on weekday nights, falling short of the recommended eight hours. This chronic sleep inadequacy is linked to issues such as mood disturbances, depression, and reduced cognitive function. The scientists argue that simply advising students to sleep more is ineffective, and structural changes, like a later start time, are necessary to ensure adequate rest.

These findings align with endorsements from numerous American medical and sleep organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommend middle and high schools start no earlier than 8:30 AM. Local data collected in Singapore supports these recommendations, showing that adolescent sleep needs are consistent with international findings. Contrary to the common objection that a later start would simply shift bedtime later, studies consistently show that later start times lead to actual gains in sleep duration.

Researchers also point to experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, where students generally slept longer. They urge Singaporean educational authorities to seize this opportunity to re-examine school schedules. The study concludes that if sleep is truly valued, educational policies must reflect this through tangible changes, drawing parallels to public health mandates like mask-wearing during the pandemic.