Owens, J. A., Belon, K., & Moss, P. (2010). Impact of delaying school start time on adolescent sleep, mood, and behavior. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 164(7), 608-14.
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Abstract
Objective
To examine the impact of a 30-minute delay in school start time on adolescents' sleep, mood, and behavior.
Design
Participants completed the online retrospective Sleep Habits Survey before and after a change in school start time.
Setting
An independent high school in Rhode Island.
Participants
Students (n = 201) in grades 9 through 12. Intervention Institution of a delay in school start time from 8 to 8:30 am.
Main Outcome Measures
Sleep patterns and behavior, daytime sleepiness, mood, data from the Health Center, and absences/tardies.
Results
After the start time delay, mean school night sleep duration increased by 45 minutes, and average bedtime advanced by 18 minutes (95% confidence interval, 7-29 minutes [t(423) = 3.36; P < .001]); the percentage of students getting less than 7 hours of sleep decreased by 79.4%, and those reporting at least 8 hours of sleep increased from 16.4% to 54.7%. Students reported significantly more satisfaction with sleep and experienced improved motivation. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and depressed mood were all reduced. Most health-related variables, including Health Center visits for fatigue-related complaints, and class attendance also improved.
Conclusions
A modest delay in school start time was associated with significant improvements in measures of adolescent alertness, mood, and health. The results of this study support the potential benefits of adjusting school schedules to adolescents' sleep needs, circadian rhythm, and developmental stage.
MeSH Terms
Adolescent/physiology*
Adolescent Behavior*
Affect*
Appointments and Schedules
Circadian Rhythm/physiology
Female
Humans
Male
Psychology, Adolescent*
Rhode Island
Schools*
Sleep/physiology*
Sleep Stages/physiology
Students
Time Factors
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