Many young people in Sweden do not get enough sleep - a factor that can affect both health and academic performance. A study conducted by the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention has explored how schools and students in Stockholm County view the possibility of starting the school day slightly later in the morning.
Short sleep duration is a common issue among adolescents. International research has shown that later school start times can lead to longer sleep and better recovery.
In a new study from the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP) at Region Stockholm and Karolinska Institutet, principals and students from seven lower and upper secondary schools in Stockholm County were interviewed.
The aim was to understand how school start times are currently managed and what attitudes exist towards starting the school day later.
"Many principals are aware that students are not getting enough sleep but often see it as a result of young people's own habits or the level of support available at home," says Theresa Lemke , research assistant at the Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics and NASP and project lead for the study.
The report shows that both principals and students are interested in measures that could improve young people's sleep and wellbeing, including later school start times. At the same time, opinions differ regarding the causes of short sleep and who holds responsibility.
Practical challenges for change
Some principals view school organisation as part of the solution, while others believe sleep is primarily the responsibility of the individual and their guardians.
Most principals considered a school start time of 08:30 to be feasible, particularly in schools that already begin later certain days. An even later start, such as 09:00, was seen as possible but more challenging. It would require changes to timetables, facilities, and staffing resources, as well as coordination with extracurricular activities and mother tongue instruction. Barriers mentioned include a lack of space and teachers, the risk of later finishing times, and resistance from both staff and guardians.
Students were generally positive about the idea, hoping for more energy and improved wellbeing. However, they also expressed concern that a later end to the school day could reduce their free time.
Collaboration and research key
"To make well-informed decisions, we need more knowledge about how a later school start would work in a Swedish context. This requires collaboration between schools, researchers, and other societal stakeholders," says Theresa Lemke.
The report emphasises that successful change requires a strategic process with early dialogue and clear communication about the purpose - to promote student health and learning. More Swedish research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for decision-making.
Publication (in Swedish)
Lemke, T, Genomförbarhet av senarelagda skolstartstider i högstadie- och gymnasieskolor i Stockholms län . Nationellt centrum för suicidforskning och prevention, Karolinska Institutet och Region Stockholm; 2025. Rapport 2025:05
