A new study found that California’s mandate for later middle and high school start times increased student sleep and produced improvements in mental health and academic performance. The policy increased the share of students sleeping at least eight hours per night by 13%, with particularly notable benefits among boys, Hispanic students, and economically disadvantaged students.
Study author and CHIBE affiliate Osea Giuntella, PhD, explained that even a moderate increase in sleep can meaningfully improve students’ well-being and academic outcomes. He said later start times are an effective tool for improving student outcomes, although schools must carefully manage the transition and related scheduling challenges.