Schools wanted for interview study on later school start times
The National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP) at Karolinska Institutet and Region Stockholm is looking for middle and high schools in Stockholm County to participate in an interview study. The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility of later school start times.
Why Later School Start Times?
Previous studies have shown that nearly half of the youth in Stockholm County sleep less than eight hours per night on school days. Too little sleep can negatively affect their well-being through impaired cognitive function and an increased risk of mental health issues.
During adolescence, a biological shift occurs that makes it difficult for teenagers to fall asleep early in the evening. Adjusting school start times to align with teenagers’ natural sleep rhythms could promote more sleep on school days and potentially improve their sleep quality, well-being, and academic performance.
“We know that many young people today get too little sleep, which can affect their mental health and school performance. Through this study, we want to investigate schools’ attitudes towards a later school start and whether such a change could be a step in the right direction to promote both young people’s well-being and learning,” says Theresa Lemke, project coordinator at NASP, Karolinska Institutet/Region Stockholm.
What Does the Interview Study Involve?
This project aims to investigate whether a delay in school start times, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, could be a feasible intervention in Stockholm County.
Through interviews and focus groups, we will examine schools’ readiness and attitudes towards a later start time. Participating schools will share their experiences and opinions. We also want to understand schools’ perspectives on the potential barriers and opportunities that a later start time could entail.
Does Your School Want to Participate in the Study?
Schools interested in participating can read more and register their interest on our website. Participating in the study can be an important step towards promoting young people’s sleep, mental health, and well-being, while also giving schools the opportunity to be part of an exciting research project.
For further questions, please contact project coordinator Theresa Lemke via email, theresa.lemke@ki.se.