Sleeping Adolescents Research Paper

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Shelbie Hess
Mr. Bird­ 5th Period
Persuasive Essay
5 December 2014
Sleepy Adolescents Rest is an important factor for the health of a person, especially among teenagers.
Adolescents have later sleep and wake patterns that cause natural tendencies to stay up late at night and wake later in the morning (Backgrounder: Later). With this biological habit in mind, it becomes apparent that teenagers are struggling with the early morning rise for school. If schools were to start later it would help improve academics and attendance, the general well­being of the students, and provide safety for the people who come in contact with the sleep deprived teenagers of the world.
Awaking for the day in a groggy daze, many students find it hard to function. Once the school day beings they are forced to try and focus, listen, and learn. Lacking rest put the mind in a constant battle to stay awake making it hard to comprehend what is being taught. Studies completed by Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom show that teens who received A’s averaged fifteen more minutes sleep than the B students, who in turn averaged eleven more minutes than the C’s, while the C’s had ten more minutes than the D’s (School Start Time). The studies also show increases in attendance and participation from students. It is evident that sleep allows for better concentration and brings the driving force needed to participate in classes.
Due to sleep deprivation, students are being placed in the hands of unhealthy lifestyles.
Schools that start before 8:30 a.m. are causing teenagers to lose sleep, which in return is leading to increased depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations, as well as, excessive weight gain and elevated blood pressure. Lack of sleep being received is leading to a rise the probability of

physical, psychological, or social difficulties (socsd). The pressure of school is already an immense task to overcome, with that in mind, students lacking sleep due to early starting times and the natural need to fall asleep later at night will most likely suffer from one, if not more of these threatening issues.
Along with causing illnesses, sleep deprivation can lead to endangerment of others.
When drowsy it becomes hard to think correctly and impairs the body from functioning properly.
Adolescent drivers who do not receive enough sleep are a serious threat to themselves and those around them. According to the three­year studies in Minnesota of 8 different schools that changed their start times there has been a notable decrease in the number of teen crashes.
Dr.Wahlstrom, who has studied school start times for 17 years says, “you have double the amount of kids getting eight hours or more of sleep and making healthy choices as a result” (Late
Start Time). The facts are there and if they go ignored the consequences will be hard to endure, especially if they lead to the death.
In all fairness, changing the start time of a school is not an easy task. There are many obstacles to face such as changes in busing schedules, which is not the most daunting problem is still an important con to address. Also, extracurriculars such as athletic games
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