KUALA LUMPUR, October 15 – With most Malaysian schools starting as early as 7:00 a.m., adolescents are often forced to wake before sunrise—clashing with their natural biological rhythms.
Experts warn that early start times compromise teenagers’ sleep quality and overall health, with studies showing many struggle to achieve the recommended 8–10 hours of rest due to delayed melatonin release during adolescence. This biological shift makes it difficult for students to fall asleep early and wake up refreshed, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and emotional stress.
Research highlights that even modest delays in school schedules can significantly improve adolescent well-being, boosting sleep, mood, and academic performance. Both the American Academy of Paediatrics and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend that schools begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m., aligning with adolescent biology.
Senior lecturer Dr. An Jubin John of Taylor’s University stresses the urgent need for Malaysian policymakers, educators, and parents to reconsider rigid timetables and pilot flexible start times, warning that inaction risks worsening sleep disorders and long-term mental health challenges among the nation’s youth.
