PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — How many of us have heard our parents say, "don't sleep the day away," and have said the same thing to our own children?
Each year at the start of the school year, there is a serious discussion about teens and the concept of starting school later in the day.
During puberty, teens need more sleep. It is strongly suggested that they get eight to 10 hours of sleep per night.
Many medical groups — in particular, the American Academy of Pediatrics — have suggested that school start later in the moring for adolescents.
Overall, scientists suggest a start time of no earlier than 8:30 a.m., and a growing number of school systems have adjusted when possible.
In addition, a lack of sleep for teens can impact concentration and increase the risk of obesity and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
