Every day, I wake up feeling tired and drained. Like many students in the Indian Prairie School District, the early start times for high school are a significant challenge. We struggle to stay alert and focused during morning classes because our bodies are still craving sleep. This is not just about comfort; it's about our academic success and overall well-being.

Research has shown that teenagers need between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. However, with current school start times, most of us find it impossible to get enough rest (American Academy of Sleep Medicine). The lack of sufficient sleep can lead to decreased attention, lower grades, and even health issues over time.

We're not alone in this struggle. Schools across the country have been moving their start times later with positive results (National Sleep Foundation). Students report feeling more rested and ready to learn when they have an extra hour in the morning.

Therefore, we request that Indian Prairie School District consider delaying high school start times by one hour. This change would allow many students like me to achieve the rest we require for optimal learning outcomes.

Please sign this petition if you believe that every student deserves a chance at success without sacrificing their health or well-being due to early school start times.