As more metro Atlanta students head back to school, new findings show what time they get there plays a huge role.
A new report published by the CDC highlights the connection between class start times and success.
Most teenagers aren't getting a solid night's sleep because school starts too early, according to the report. It says early start times are depriving middle and high schoolers of the sleep they need.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends middle and high schools begin at 8:30 or later, but the CDC report found the national average start time is 8:03 a.m.
Don Clark, an 11th-grade history teacher, says he thinks changing to the start time will make a big difference for his students. He says last year they started at 7:20 a.m., which took a big toll on the kids.
“A lot of groggy kids. There are some that are morning risers, but it was tough for some,” he said.
Starting later could create logistical nightmares for school systems. Educators say it would be harder to schedule after-school sporting events and increase transportation costs.
But for Aly Honey, a senior in Utah, a 9 a.m. start time is just right.
"It's nice to wake up more naturally,” Honey said.
The CDC report says only about 31 percent of students get enough sleep.
The report offers suggestions for improving sleep among teens, including keeping a schedule, which means waking up and going to bed around the same time every night, even on weekends.
It also says parents should limit how much the teens are on their phones or tablets in the evening.