RFK Jr.’s confirmation prompts MAHA sleep expert to voice concerns over teens’ sleep
Sleep expert Jeffrey Rose is throwing his support behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, emphasizing the importance of sleep as a key component of overall health. Rose, a clinical hypnotist and sleep specialist based in New York, has been a longtime supporter of Kennedy and is excited to see the focus on health in the current political landscape.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rose highlighted the issue of chronic sleep deprivation, particularly among teenage students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers aged 13 to 17 should ideally be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. However, Rose noted that many high school students are not able to achieve this recommended amount of rest, leading to negative consequences for their health and academic performance.
As the New York State legislative coordinator for Start School Later, an organization advocating for later school start times, Rose is working to address the issue of sleep deprivation among students. He believes that pushing back school start times can have a significant impact on student well-being, leading to improved focus, academic performance, and overall health.
Recent data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) revealed that a majority of high school students report not getting enough sleep on school nights. Rose pointed out that this lack of sleep can have a domino effect, leading students to rely on substances like alcohol, marijuana, and stimulants like Adderall or Ritalin to cope with fatigue and stay focused.
Rose praised California and Florida for passing legislation mandating later school start times, and he hopes to see similar changes implemented nationwide. He believes that adjusting school schedules to allow for more sleep can have wide-ranging benefits, including reduced sickness, improved academic outcomes, and better overall performance in various aspects of students’ lives.
While some critics argue that later school start times may pose challenges for working parents and after-school activities, Rose remains steadfast in his belief that prioritizing sleep is essential for student success. He pointed to research showing that later start times can lead to improvements in student focus, health, and academic performance, making it a crucial reform for the education system.
As the MAHA movement gains momentum, Rose plans to continue advocating for the importance of sleep health and pushing for policy changes that prioritize the well-being of students. By shining a spotlight on the issue of sleep deprivation and its impact on health and academic success, Rose hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of students across the country.
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