Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to improving the educational and developmental outcomes for children, we must rely on data-driven decisions. A compelling study titled Sleepmore in Seattle: Later school start times are associated with more sleep and better performance in high school students provides valuable insights into how altering school start times can enhance student performance and well-being. This blog explores the findings of this research and how practitioners can apply these insights to improve outcomes for students.
The Research Findings
The study conducted by Dunster et al. (2018) in the Seattle School District demonstrated significant benefits of delaying high school start times by 55 minutes. The research showed that students experienced a median increase of 34 minutes in sleep duration, which correlated with a 4.5% increase in median grades and improved attendance. This was achieved without shifting students' bedtimes, thereby increasing their total sleep duration.
Key findings from the study include:
- Increased Sleep Duration: Students gained an additional 34 minutes of sleep on average, aligning more closely with the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep for adolescents.
- Improved Academic Performance: There was a noticeable improvement in grades, with a 4.5% increase in median grades.
- Better Attendance and Punctuality: The study noted a reduction in tardiness and absences, particularly in economically disadvantaged schools.
- Reduced Sleepiness: Students reported feeling less sleepy during the day, which can contribute to better concentration and learning.
Implications for Practitioners
For speech-language pathologists and educators, these findings underscore the importance of advocating for policies that support the developmental needs of adolescents. Implementing later school start times can be a practical intervention to improve student outcomes.
Here are some steps practitioners can take:
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Use the data from this study to support discussions with school boards and policymakers about the benefits of later start times.
- Educate Parents and Students: Provide information on the importance of adequate sleep and how it affects learning and development.
- Monitor Student Progress: Collect data on sleep patterns and academic performance to track improvements and make informed decisions.
- Collaborate with Schools: Work with school administrators to implement changes and provide support for students during the transition.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Seattle study provides robust evidence, further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of delayed school start times across different demographics and regions. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in or support research initiatives that examine these variables.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Sleepmore in Seattle: Later school start times are associated with more sleep and better performance in high school students.
