Research: Optimal Sleep Habits of Teens
The American Academy of Pediatrics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association recommend starting middle and high school no earlier than 8:30 am. (Links: Pediatrics, September 2014, Volume 134/ISSUE 3. From the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement and AMA Supports Delayed School Start Times to Improve Adolescent Wellness)
For optimal health, brain development, and learning, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that teenagers (14-17 years) should get 8.5-9 hours of sleep per night. (Links: Pediatrics, September 2014, Volume 134/ISSUE 3. From the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement)
Natural sleep cycle shifts during adolescence, making it difficult for them to fall asleep before 10:45-11:00 pm and to wake at earlier hours, especially when less than a full 8-10 hours of sleep. (Link: Teens and Sleep: National Sleep Foundation; sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep).
Later High School Start times can improve academic performance, improved health, increase attendance, decrease student reported depression and decrease drowsy driving and car crash. (Link: Changing Times: Findings from the First Longitudinal Study of Later High School Start Times; Wahlstrom, Kyla; NASSP Bulletin, Volume 86, Number 633, December, 2002 and Later Start Time for Teens Improves Grades, Mood and Safety, Wahlstom, Kyla L: Phi Delta Kappan, http://www.kappanonline.org/later-start-time-for-teens/)