'Starting high school later may help sleepy teens'

Associated Press

In an Associated Press article, Amy Wolfson, professor of psychology and associate dean of faculty development, commented on the importance of sleep. In particular, she suggested that it is imperative for young people to realize the importance of rest, especially in light of necessary responsibilities including school.

Since 40 percent of public high schools in the U.S. open their doors before 8 a.m., students must arrive to school early. While early-risers might not mind, students are a different story, as their bodies aren’t well-suited to the morning hours, thus prompting a recent push for a later start time.

While younger children tend to be awake earlier, adolescents stay up later into the night as they progress in puberty. Since the 1980s, studies have reaffirmed these findings, and Wolfson corroborated, saying, “[E]very study that’s been done since finds the same thing.” A sleep expert at Holy Cross, Wolfson will no doubt continue to advocate for the proper sleep formula, especially when it comes to those who need it most: students in the midst of their education.

The story ran in more than 90 media outlets across the country.

This ‘Holy Cross in the News’ item by David Cotrone ’13.