Imagine waking up while it’s still dark outside, dragging yourself out of bed, and barely staying awake through your first class. For millions of high school students, this isn’t just a bad day, it’s their everyday. As exhaustion becomes the norm, a growing number of educators, researchers, and students are questioning whether school should really start so early.

The conversation around school start times has gained momentum, especially as research from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that early start times conflict with teenagers’ natural sleep rhythms. These experts recommend that middle and high schools begin no earlier than 8:30 AM, citing benefits like improved mood, better academic performance, and healthier sleep habits.

But what do students actually think? Two 10th-grade students from The Columbus School Pedro Arango and Gregorio Duque shared their perspectives on the issue.

Sleep is vital for teenagers, but many fall short of the recommended 8–10 hours per night due to demanding school schedules.

Pedro Arango says he usually gets between seven and eight hours of sleep on school nights and believes that keeping a consistent sleep schedule can make a big difference.

“If you have a good sleep schedule, it’s enough,” Pedro said. “Sleep affects your mood and grades, but if you’re consistent, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

When asked about later school start times, Pedro had mixed feelings.

“It would help students, but not everyone,” he noted. “Some students might just stay up later, which wouldn’t fix the problem.”
Still, he agreed that more sleep generally leads to better focus and academic results.

“Sleep improves your focus and helps you perform better,” he added.

Pedro also raised a concern: starting school later could interfere with after-school activities.

“Students in sports or clubs would have less time in the evening,” he said.

If given the choice, Pedro would prefer school to start at 8:30 AM not too late, but enough to help students feel more rested.

Gregorio Duque, on the other hand, strongly believes that early mornings are a major problem.

“It’s really hard to get out of bed,” he said. “I go to sleep at 11 PM and wake up at 7 AM, which isn’t enough for a teenager.”
In his first class, he struggles to concentrate. “I don’t want to do anything I just want to sleep,” he explained.

Although he’s tried going to bed earlier, falling asleep before 10 PM is difficult.

“I’ve tried, but it’s just not easy for me,” Gregorio said.

He blames early start times for the sleep deprivation many teens experience.

“If school started later, students would get more rest and be able to focus better in class,” he argued. “Grades would probably improve.”

Gregorio also believes that being tired affects motivation.

“If you’re tired, you don’t want to do anything, which affects grades,” he said.

On weekends, the difference is clear: “I have so much more energy, but during the week I’m always tired.”

He disagrees with those who think changing school schedules would cause logistical problems.

“Transportation would just adjust to the new schedule,” he stated confidently.

His advice to younger students? “Sleep early and stay on top of schoolwork so you can get enough rest.”

Both Pedro and Gregorio agree that sleep plays a key role in student health and success. While Pedro emphasizes personal responsibility and routine, Gregorio pushes for systemic change to match teen sleep patterns.

Experts back up Gregorio’s view. The AAP warns that chronic sleep deprivation can increase risks of depression, obesity, and even car accidents in teens. Meanwhile, schools that have adopted later start times have reported better attendance, fewer disciplinary issues, and higher test scores.

As districts around the world debate adjusting their schedules, stories like Pedro’s and Gregorio’s highlight a core truth: students are tired, and something needs to change.

The science is clear. The experiences are real. It’s time for schools to listen because well-rested students are better learners.