The Mercury News Editorial: Allow California students the sleep they need

Wednesday, August 9 2017

As much as parents obsess over their children’s education, it’s stunning that so many object to a proposal before the Legislature with a proven track record of improving school performance.

California should adopt Glendale Sen. Anthony Portantino’s SB 328, which requires middle and high schools  to start their regular class schedules no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The average start time for California schools is 8:07 a.m., nearly a half hour earlier  than the recommendation of both the American Academy of Pediatricians and the Centers for Disease Control.

A comprehensive study by the CDC of more than 12,000 students offers conclusive proof that teenagers who do not get the recommended eight hours of sleep are more likely to perform poorly in classes. They are also more prone to suffer from depression, be less physically active and be overweight

Read Full Article Here