Letter: Is adolescent sleep deprivation due to bad habits or biology? – The Ridgefield Press

To the Editor:

It is common to default to learned behaviors or perceived ideals even when presented with solid scientific data. For example, many well-intending parents force children to eat out of concern they may not get adequate nutrition otherwise.

Years ago, science demonstrated that this clean plate club approach is harmful, increasing the risk of eating disorders and obesity and reducing intake of healthy foods. Yet many good parents, in a moment of desperation, will coerce children to eat just one more bite.

We must rely on the science, and not misconception, to protect the health of students by providing healthy start times.

What the science says:

Should teens turn off devices at night? Absolutely. Should they go to bed at a reasonable hour? Of course. Should we force them to be awake when their bodies are not biologically supposed to? No. We should not.

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Letter: Is adolescent sleep deprivation due to bad habits or biology? - The Ridgefield Press