The organization representing pediatricians around the country has a suggestion for schools: start classes later for kids in middle and high schools.
The new policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics comes after years of concern that teens aren't getting enough sleep.
More than 40 percent of the nation's public high schools begin classes before 8 a.m. The AAP is suggesting that be pushed back until at least 8:30.
Dr. Andrew Sherman of Rochester Regional Health System, says that extra half hour of sleep could make a difference in a teen's mental and physical health.
"They've found that even little naps and things can help on the weekends, but we can't do that during the school day,” Sherman said. “So moving the starting time back from 8 to 8:30 is at least a starting point that we can agree on from the Academy of Pediatrics."
A lack of sleep in teens has been linked to poor health, bad grades, and car crashes. Dr. Sherman says adolescents need eight-and-a-half to nine-and-a-half hours of sleep each night. A study shows that about 87 percent of high school students aren't getting that.
