To the editor:

Can catching some extra zzz’s be the difference between A’s and C’s? Brain researchers now say that teenagers need more sleep than adults or children to function well. The strange thing is as teenagers, we usually don’t get sleepy until late at night and that’s not because the new episode of “The Real World” is on; it’s because of our circadian sleep rhythms.

The approximate number of hours teens need nightly is 9.25, and the majority don’t get anywhere close to that number. Sleep also has a great effect on how teens perform in school, so I believe that school should start at 9 a.m. rather than the early time of 8. It may seem like just an hour, but studies have shown that a difference of 30 minutes can affect some teens’ grades.

Sleep deprivation also has a nasty effect on teens’ overall health. Ever wonder why we have the cranky and obnoxious reputation? Breaking news: It’s not entirely our fault! When teens don’t get enough sleep they have less energy, a weaker immune system and struggle with paying attention.

Sleep is the time the brain restores itself. Most of the hormones needed for growth are released during sleep. Based on the new research, isn’t it time to consider the results of starting school so early? School can wait an hour for the minds of the future to be fully developed.

Julia Guard,

Lawrence