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Adolescents' preference for later school start times.
Helene Werner1,2,3, Joëlle N Albrecht1,3, Natacha Widmer1
1Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland.
Journal of Sleep Research
|June 14, 2021
Summary
Most adolescents prefer later school start times (SSTs) due to their natural sleep biology. This preference is linked to sleep and health factors, suggesting later SSTs could improve adolescent well-being.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent sleep science
- Chronobiology
- Public health
Background:
- Adolescent sleep patterns shift later during puberty, creating a mismatch with early school start times (SSTs).
- Previous research highlights benefits of later SSTs for adolescent sleep and health.
- Adolescent preferences regarding SSTs have not been extensively studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adolescent preferences for later school start times (SSTs).
- To identify factors influencing these preferences among high school students.
- To provide an adolescent perspective on aligning SSTs with biological needs.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to 5,308 students across 17 high schools in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Students reported preferences for later SSTs and provided data on sociodemographic, school, sleep, leisure, and health characteristics.
- Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze predictors of SST preference.
Main Results:
- A majority of students (63.2%) preferred later SSTs, with a mean desired delay of 55 minutes.
- Significant predictors included sex, mother tongue, sleep characteristics, bedtime mobile device use, caffeine intake, and health-related quality of life.
- Adolescents experiencing sleep or health issues were more likely to prefer later SSTs.
Conclusions:
- The majority of adolescents favor later school start times, aligning with their biological sleep patterns.
- Student preferences are influenced by a combination of personal, social, and health-related factors.
- Considering adolescent preferences for later SSTs is crucial for improving their overall health and well-being.
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