Starting School Later During The Day: 3 Amazing Benefits Of A Later School Start Time

Most schools in the U.S. start school very early during the day. But nine months ago, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey instructed the state's Department of Education to study the benefits of a later school start time for students.

A month ago, the New Jersey Department of Education held a meeting that included major education groups, parents and health experts to discuss the benefits of a later school start time. "Soon after, it sent out a three-page survey to district superintendents and principals to get feedback to questions on how starting the school day later would affect sports, extracurricular activities, students' after-school jobs, school bus schedules, parents' child care arrangements and other considerations," Courier-Post reports.

There's many benefits to getting more sleep...

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Many schools start at 7:30 a.m., which means that many students have to wake up as early as 5 a.m. to avoid getting late for school. When they get home, they have to finish their homework and study for tomorrow's exams. This schedule can be very stressful for growing children.

For these reasons, many health experts recommend a later school start time for students -- not earlier than 8:30 a.m. -- so that they can get more rest and sleep. Here are some of the benefits of a later school start time.

1. It Can Prevent Weight Gain

Getting an adequate amount of sleep means having less time to eat and crave for food. Many people eat more food in order to feel happier and have more energy during the day, which could have been provided by getting an adequate amount of sleep.

2. Sharper Mind

One of the best benefits of a later school start time is that it can help the students perform better at school. "Science shows that people who sleep for seven hours exhibit significantly more brain activity than those who don't," Dr. Daniel Amen told Men's Health.

3. Better Mood

Kids might not be too moody and grumpy if they have a later school start time. Inadequate sleep can increase a person's level of stress and irritability while adequate sleep brightens up a person's mood, Healthy Sleep explains.