Ask Dr. Hallberg: Do teens need more sleep?

The American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for more sleep for middle and high school students.

A growing number of high schools around the country have already opted to start classes later. The changes are a response to studies, including one released at the University of Minnesota earlier this year, that show teenagers' academic performance and health improve with later start times.

Some districts around the state have already made the change, including Minneapolis and Edina. St. Paul Public Schools administrators are currently considering a plan to push back start times for both high schools and middle schools beginning next year.

Dr. Jon Hallberg joined MPR News' Tom Crann to discuss why this issue is important to adolescent brains.

More: Subscribe to Hallberg's Picture of Health podcast

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.