Early To Rise Costing Teens Sleep

Study Shows Early School Start Times Rob Teens Of Needed Shuteye

(CBS)  To assure they get enough sleep, Senay points out, teens could establish a regular sleep schedule, and maintain it during weekends and vacations. They could learn how much sleep they need to function at their best, and calculate when they need to go to sleep to get enough sleep.

In addition, teens could be aware of their body clocks, and compensate for sleepy times of the day by scheduling stimulating activities and interactive classes instead of lecture classes or driving during those times. Avoid stimulants such as coffee and sugar after lunch or during afternoon hours. Relax before going to bed. Avoid heavy reading, studying, and computer games within an hour of going to bed. Avoid all-nighters. Staying up late can disrupt your sleep patterns and your ability to be alert the following day. Get into bright light as soon as possible in the morning and avoid it in the evening.

The latest study didn't find adding bright light to a classroom in the early morning increased alertness or improved performance, Senay notes, but many experts believe light helps signal to the brain when it should wake up and when it should prepare to sleep.