Sleep deprivation among American teenagers is an epidemic. Only about 1 in 10 teens gets the 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night recommended by sleep scientists and pediatricians. So, what’s going on? And what changes can be made to address this issue? Wendy Troxel shares how early school start times and public policy are depriving adolescents of sleep at a time when they need it most. [Directed by Laura Jayne Hodkin, music by Cem Misirlioglu, WORKPLAYWORK].

What lack of sleep does to the teenage brain

Most American teenagers are chronically sleep deprived, with only about one in ten getting the recommended eight to ten hours per night. Early school start times force teens to wake up when their bodies crave rest, leaving them exhausted and impacting learning, mood, and safety. Studies show that shifting school start times later boosts academic performance, well-being, and even reduces car crashes. Public policy, not adolescent laziness, drives this widespread problem.

Early School Start Times Are Sabotaging Teen Health

Most American teenagers are chronically sleep deprived, with only 1 in 10 getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours each night. Early school start times force teens to wake up hours before their biological clocks are ready, making a 6 a.m. wake-up as brutal as 4 a.m. for adults. This chronic lack of sleep amplifies risks for depression, poor academic performance, and even dangerous driving. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that starting school later dramatically improves students’ health, learning, and safety.