In different parts of the world, it is common to have classes in the morning, starting at 7am. However, studies in the field of neuroscience point to the relationship between sleep and study as one of those responsible for the academic performance of children and adolescents and for Fernando Louzada, PhD in Neurosciences from the University of São Paulo, classes should start later.
Teenagers tend to need more sleep than adults.
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Fernando Louzada, researcher at the Federal University of Paraná, in an interview with the GLOBO website, talks about the relationship between sleep and study and how recent experiences show the benefits of postponing the start of classes by 1 hour and the differences between the functioning of the organism of adolescents, who usually need more hours of sleep to rest.
Thus, together with the phenomenon of delay in the sleep phase, stimulated by the presence of electronic equipment, such as smartphones and computers, teenagers sleep later and, as a result, also feel the need to wake up a little later programmed.
In this sense, it is no longer possible to expect teenagers to go to bed at 9 pm and wake up at 5 am, which Ideally, in order to preserve their sleep cycle, classes start after 7 am.
The initiative is already discussed in other regions of the world and led to a legislative innovation in July 2022 in California, United States. Now, in this state, classes for high school students will start at 8:30 am. The measure is based on studies between sleep and study.
Debate in Brazil
In Brazil, the debate on the importance of sleep must take place with measures to raise awareness about the role of sleep in maintaining sleep. immune system, preservation of the cognitive system and its relationship with the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, defends Louzada.
For the neuroscientist, however, it is necessary that schools, together with public authorities and society, seek the best way to promote the necessary adaptations, including making classes available at flexible times, with technology as an ally in this process.
The fundamental thing is to be aware of how important sleep is and to promote sleep hygiene measures, among them, one should have a good diet, regular practice of physical activities and reduction of stimuli at night, such as bright lights and appliances electronics.