L EARNING C YCLE

H ORMONES & S LEEP

H ORMONES Sex hormones: Start developing age at approx. age 8 for girls; age 10 for boys. Affect adolescents not only physically but behaviorally as well. Girls: Estrogen – 10x more than boys Boys: Testosterone – 10x more than girls May have dramatic effect on mood & emotions

S LEEP Children & adolescents need 9 ¼ hours of sleep per night However, they typically only get 7 hours of sleep. What impact does this have? Emotional and behavioral problems Lower grades Increase in potential risky behavior and accidents

C IRCADIAN CLOCK Also known as the biological clock particularly for sleep. Teenagers do have changing sleeping patterns

S HOULD SCHOOL START TIMES BE CHANGED ? The case for: Better moods of students Reduced tardiness and absenteeism Better grades Obstacles Transportation After School activities & other programs Public Resources Other