School start times matter, eveningness does not

Chronobiol Int. 2018 Nov;35(12):1753-1757. doi: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1504785. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

Abstract

Morningness-Eveningness (M-E) has been associated with school performance when school activities are arranged early in the morning. This study aims to evaluate this association in 224 adolescents of a secondary school in Montevideo, Uruguay, attending either morning or afternoon shifts. Students' socio-demographic characteristics and performance indicators were similar across shifts, while afternoon-shift students exhibited later circadian preferences. After controlling for socio-demographic and other educational variables, eveningness was associated with lower grades only in morning-shift students. Our study suggests that eveningness influence on school performance is contingent on the temporal arrangement of scholar activities.

Keywords: Adolescence; GPA; Morningness–Evenigness; school shift.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Schools
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Students*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time Factors*