School start times have garnered attention across the country since the mid-1990s (editorial). Many school districts have considered the benefits of starting classes later, others have already taken the plunge by starting classes later in the day, while still others are hesitant to change schedules, wondering if there is a noticeable difference in academic achievement. However, almost all school districts that have made changes so far have reported benefits not only in student performance and outcomes, but also in overall student attitudes (Gormly). The reason for this has to do with the circadian rhythm of adolescents: the “biological rhythm that governs our sleep-wake cycles” (Carrell 4). For students to succeed academically, schools should push back school start times to better accommodate adolescents' circadian rhythms. Although promoting later school start times has many supporters, some fail to believe that the positive benefits outweigh the negatives. Starting school later in the morning requires a change in the entire schedule, which requires teachers, coaches, bus drivers and parents to also drastically change their schedules (editorial). A schedule change would cause financial complications for school districts. For example, additional transportation services may be required to accommodate a schedule change (editorial). Some school districts remain reluctant to change start times, despite mental and physical evidence that supports the benefits of later classes. Some students may not be as affected by sleep patterns as others, but for many, staying awake in class is a daily struggle. Recent surveys have reported that nearly twenty-five percent of high school students fall asleep during...... middle of paper ......Aerin. “Should the school ring a back-to-school bell later.” Eagle of the Wyoming Tribune: Eagle of the Wyoming Tribune. November 9, 2013. The web. March 20, 2014. .Editorial board. “Sleep deficit.” Washington Post, The 8: Newspaper source. Internet. March 19. 2014. Gormly, Kellie B. “Later Start Time for Adolescence? Some say it's a better match. « Pittsburgh TribuneReview (PA) Cl March 2014: newspaper source. Internet. March 18, 2014. Hansen, Martha et al. “The Impact of Daily School Schedule on Adolescent Sleep.” Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2005. Internet. March 19, 2014.. “Relying on circadian rhythms to help adolescents. » Rosecrance. Rosecrance Health Network. 2014.Web. March 20 2014. .