Sleep wake timing/ circadian rhythm disorders Flashcards
The research to date on school start times and student performance shows which of the following?
Several important studies in the past 30 years have shown that early start times for schools can be responsible for poor academic performance as well as other morbidities (choice B is correct). Only a very small percentage of adolescents get the recommended ≥9 h of sleep each night on school nights. The majority of high schools in the United States begin classes before 8:00 am, when the circadian drive is still causing a pressure or drive to sleep in the students’ brains. Additionally, the early start times preferentially deprive the student of REM sleep, as it mostly occurs in the last 2 to 3 h of the sleep time. REM sleep is essential for learning, mood, and memory.
Changing school start times in one study from 8:00 am to 8:30 am demonstrated significant improvement in depressive symptoms and the students were more motivated to participate in class and other activities. Other studies have shown improved academic performance and attendance rates when school start times were delayed. This was across all the students, not just those with symptoms of sleepiness or behavioral issues (choices A and D are incorrect). Data regarding teacher performance and school start times are lacking (choice C is incorrect).
Additionally, there is evidence showing a significant reduction (16.5%) in motor vehicle accident rates among teenage drivers when school start times were delayed by 1 h. Other studies have shown higher crash rates in teenage drivers who come from areas with earlier school start times compared with those with later school start times.
