Sleep Deprivation: A Gateway Issue for Youth Health
Washington, D.C. – Jeffrey Rose, a renowned clinical hypnotist and sleep specialist, is calling attention to a pressing issue that has received inadequate attention: sleep deprivation among teenagers. As a close associate and supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, Rose advocates for policies that prioritize sleep health for students.
The Prevalence of Sleep Deprivation in High Schools
According to Rose, chronic sleep deprivation is rampant across the country, particularly among teenage students. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 8-10 hours of sleep per 24-hour period for adolescents aged 13 to 17. However, Rose emphasizes that meeting this recommendation is often impossible under the current school system.
"High school kids are exhausted in school. They can’t be sharp, focused, or learn effectively, regardless of the quality of the schools, teachers, or reputation," Rose said. "We need to provide them with the opportunity to get nine hours of sleep, but that’s simply not possible right now."
Rose serves as the New York State legislative coordinator for Start School Later, an organization dedicated to shifting high school start times to later hours. He believes that this measure is crucial for improving student well-being and academic performance.
"There is no greater reform we can make for high school education," Rose stated. "Later start times lead to less sickness, reduced absenteeism, fewer car accidents, improved sports outcomes, and better grades. Every aspect of students’ performance improves."
Sleep Deprivation as a "Gateway Drug"
Rose asserts that sleep deprivation acts as a "gateway drug," with its negative effects spilling over into other areas of teenagers’ lives. Sleep-deprived students often resort to relaxants like alcohol and marijuana to cope, and then turn to stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin to enhance focus.
"When kids are sleep-deprived, they become more susceptible to risk-taking behaviors," Rose said. "They are more likely to engage in substance use, which can lead to addiction and other health problems."
The Need for Policy Changes
Rose recognizes that addressing sleep deprivation in high schools requires policy changes. In 2022, California became the first state to mandate later school start times, and Florida followed suit in 2023. However, there is still resistance to this initiative in many states.
"With the exception of Dr. Oz, I haven’t heard too many people talking about sleep," Rose said. "I have discussed this issue with Bobby [RFK Jr.], and he is receptive to it. Now that he has been confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, I am confident that we can work together to prioritize sleep health in our nation’s schools."
Benefits and Challenges of Later Start Times
Research has consistently shown that later school start times have numerous benefits for students. A 2021 University of Minnesota study found that GPAs increased by 0.1 points, on average, after school start times were adjusted. A 2022 study published in the Journal of School Health reported that students in Colorado experienced reduced stress and improved restfulness after the implementation of later start times.
Despite the evidence supporting later start times, there are concerns about their potential impact on working parents and conflicts with after-school activities. The National Education Association (NEA) acknowledges these challenges and emphasizes the importance of addressing them before implementing changes.
"Later school start times can have ripple effects in school districts, and the impact will not be felt equally by all students, families, and educators," the NEA states. "It’s critical to consider these potential drawbacks and engage with all stakeholders before making this transition."
Conclusion
Sleep deprivation among teenage students is a serious issue that requires urgent attention. Later school start times have been shown to improve student health, well-being, and academic performance. It is imperative that policymakers, educators, and parents work together to implement this important reform and create a healthier learning environment for the youth of our nation.
