If you saw me last semester, you would think I was being chased by zombies. Because I would have to wake up well before the sun rose, I would be exhausted by the time I got to my 8 a.m. lecture. Thankfully, my classes this semester have a later start time, which allows me to feel refreshed and alert during my morning classes. This difference made me realize that waking up early is not just inconvenient but harmful too.

As an adolescent, our circadian rhythms favor a later rest and rise time. This makes it difficult to fall asleep in time to wake up for early classes. Being forced to adhere to a sleep schedule that does not agree with our biological clock negatively impacts development.

Not getting enough sleep is a serious issue. In a 2018 study, the CDC reported that most teenagers do not get the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep. This leads to lower academic performance and stress, along with more serious issues such as anxiety and depression.

So, why do universities still have early classes? It is odd that schools continue to start early despite the increasing amount of evidence that shows later start times significantly benefit students. According to a study from the University of Nevada, Reno, college students perform best when classes align with their natural circadian rhythms. Their research found that later start times resulted in students exhibiting sharper focus, higher engagement, and better academic outcomes.

However, completely eliminating early classes is not practical. Universities must balance class schedules with faculty availability, club activities, and more. While students would enjoy sleeping in, the later ending times might interfere with their personal lives as many businesses and events would be closed by the time class lets out.

By restructuring schedules to offer core courses primarily in late morning or afternoon slots, institutions can mitigate chronic sleep deprivation. Though completely eliminating early classes may not be possible, but universities should strive to prioritize student health and academic success.