It’s 5:45 a.m., and the lights have just been turned on. My mom yells, “Get up, you have school, hun!” I get up, half asleep. I brush my teeth with cold water and head back to my room to change. I sit on my bed and rest my head for a moment. The next thing I know, I’m being woken up again by the sound of my mom’s voice. Horrifying, right? Yeah. But this is something that happens to many kids. You may ask yourself: Why does this happen? It’s because schools start too early.

Schools should start later so students can get more sleep. When kids don’t get enough rest, it can seriously affect their mental health. Some kids might already be going through something, and not getting a good night’s sleep only makes it worse. Then, they have to wake up early, go to school tired, and struggle to function. According to DrMayankShukla.com, children who got less sleep had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who got enough. Lack of sleep was linked to stress, depression, anxiety, and aggressive behavior. It also affects decision-making, conflict resolution, and learning. When students are exhausted, they may fall asleep in class, miss important lessons, and then feel even more stressed. And do you really want your kids to be stressed out over school? That’s why we should check in with them regularly and encourage healthy sleep habits so they don’t feel overwhelmed.

Another reason schools should start later is that tired students often fall asleep in class, which can lead to trouble. According to SleepFoundation.org, not getting enough sleep affects key cognitive functions like attention, concentration, and memory. This makes it hard for students to stay awake and engaged in class. If they fall asleep during a lesson, they might get in trouble—and no one wants that. Helping kids get enough rest will help them stay focused and learn more.

Lack of sleep can also lead to unhealthy eating habits. Kids who don’t sleep enough might start overeating, which can be harmful to their health. According to Reuters.com, sleep deprivation is linked to increased hunger, cravings for unhealthy foods, and potential overeating. Sleep affects the hormones that regulate hunger, so when kids are tired, they might eat more than usual. Sadly, this could even lead to bullying, and no parent wants that for their child. Ensuring kids get enough rest helps them stay healthy and ready for the next day.

In conclusion, schools should start later because it would improve students’ grades, behavior, and focus in class. Wouldn’t you love to see students going to school happy, well-rested, and paying attention? If they don’t get the sleep they need, they’ll struggle to make it through the day. It can affect their mental health, cause stress, and lead to poor eating habits. That’s why it’s so important for kids to get enough sleep.