Story perspectives

Flexible School Hours: Boosting Sleep and Mental Health

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

High school students struggle to sleep because adolescence shifts biological clocks.
A University of Zurich study supports flexible school schedules enabling later starts to align with students' rhythms.
At Gossau Upper Secondary School, classes could start up to 38 minutes later, increasing sleep by 45 minutes.
Researchers say flexible start times may address the adolescent mental health crisis, with improved health, better academics, and fewer sleep issues.

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Story summary

High school students struggle to sleep because adolescence shifts biological clocks.
A University of Zurich study supports flexible school schedules enabling later starts to align with students' rhythms.
At Gossau Upper Secondary School, classes could start up to 38 minutes later, increasing sleep by 45 minutes.
Researchers say flexible start times may address the adolescent mental health crisis, with improved health, better academics, and fewer sleep issues.