La falta de sueño entre los adolescentes estadounidenses es una epidemia. Solo alrededor de 1 de cada 10 adolescentes duerme las 8 a 10 horas por noche recomendadas por los científicos del sueño y los pediatras. Entonces, ¿qué está pasando? ¿Y qué cambios se pueden hacer para abordar este problema? Wendy Troxel comparte cómo los horarios escolares tempranos y las políticas públicas están privando a los adolescentes del sueño en el momento en que más lo necesitan.

Los efectos de la falta de sueño en el cerebro adolescente

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.