Importance of Sleep is under appreciated.

Despite advancement in neuroscience and sleep related research in the last decade, the importance of sleep is still very under-appreciated.   The book "Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Matthew Walker, is an important book that in my opinion a must read by educators and parents. 

It is a good time that we re-evaluate the pros-and-cons of starting our Singapore schools at 7:30am v.s. a later hour.  It seems there is only one pro that is for 7:30am early school start, that is, We are so used to it. By we, i mean we adults:

• The teachers and supporting staffs in schools
• The school bus operating companies and drivers
• The parents 
• The morning private vehicle commuters, especially those around schools

But are our children, the next generation of Singaporeans, also well adapted to 7:30am early school starts?  To answer this, just ask your kids when the alarm clock wakes them up for school "Do you need more sleep?"

The policy inertia remain strong, for a start time that was designed at a time of inadequate education resource.  That school needs to be split into morning and afternoon separate cohorts to cater more students attending fewer number of schools.  As education resources now become more than sufficient, we should put old policies to the test of new scientific findings.

And we should ask for our children's opinions, in making a decision that has such significant impact for their lives. 

Just 30 minutes more!   It is time for Change!