In partnership with
Introduction
High schools kept early start times for decades even after the science said it was a bad idea. Teens ended up with chronic sleep loss.
That loss hit their brains hard and showed up in their mental health. The same brain rules still apply to adults. If you feel groggy in the morning or your mood drops fast in the afternoon, this is part of why
Smart starts here.
You don't have to read everything — just the right thing. 1440's daily newsletter distills the day's biggest stories from 100+ sources into one quick, 5-minute read. It's the fastest way to stay sharp, sound informed, and actually understand what's happening in the world. Join 4.5 million readers who start their day the smart way.
What The Research Confirmed
Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.
Most schools start before 8:30 a.m., so teens get only 6 to 7 hours on school nights.
This short sleep hits the part of the brain that controls decisions and emotions.
Students in schools with early start times show higher rates of depression symptoms and anxiety.
Later start times give teens more sleep and reduce those problems.
Why This Matters For You
You are not in high school anymore, but your brain still needs the same sleep. When you cut sleep short, your decision-making slows and your emotions get harder to handle.
Most adults still wake up tired because their body clock is set for later sleep. The fix is not complicated. Small changes in bedtime add up fast.
What can we learn from this
Early school schedules forced sleep loss on teens and hurt their mental health for years. The science is clear: more sleep improves mood and thinking.
Your adult brain follows the exact same rule. Protect your sleep and everything else gets easier.
One Thing To Try This Week
Move your bedtime 15 minutes earlier every night for the next 7 days. Notice how you feel. Reply and tell me what changed.
Follow @neurolations on Instagram for the next simple breakdown.
References:
Wheaton AG et al. School Start Times, Sleep, Behavioral, Health, and Academic Outcomes: A Review of the Literature. Journal of School Health, 2016.
PMID: 27040474Owens JA et al. Insufficient sleep in adolescents and young adults. Pediatrics, 2014.
PMID: 25157012