Dr. Indira G and I got a chance to discuss why biology in teens must be respected. Sleep deprivation is a public health epidemic. Approximately 80% of high school teens are chronically sleep deprived! Why? Because the majority of our teens have a delayed circadian rhythm. They are tired later and naturally want to get up later. In addition, they have higher demands placed upon them to succeed, and constant exposure to technology. 

Behavioral change is simply insufficient. The reality is that we need systemic change to improve the sleep health of our children. Please have a listen because the science is there, It is paramount that we come together to address barriers to implementing later school start times. The health of our children depends upon us to make those hard choices, working together to resolve conflicts, address concerns, and move start times later for our teens.