A new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that most American middle and high school students get up early to attend early-time schools. Starting the day too early leaves them at risk of being sleep-deprived.

Owing to the early school start times, children can have a negative effect on their performance and even their health can be affected. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has shared that out of an estimated 39,700 public middle, high and combined schools in America, only 17% have a start time of 8.30 am or later.

In the study, the researchers have gone through a data from nearly 40,000 public schools to find out start times during the 2011-2012 school year. The findings published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report have unveiled that over two-thirds of high school students do not get enough sleep.

As per the National Sleep Foundation, eight to 10 hours a night sleep is must for teenagers aged between 14 and 17 years. Health experts have warned that teenagers who do not get proper amount of sleep are at risk of many health problems.

Tired teenagers are at increased risk of being overweight, suffer depression and indulge in risky behaviors. Study’s lead researcher Anne Wheaton, an epidemiologist said, “Getting enough sleep is important for students' health, safety and academic performance. Early school start times, however, are preventing many adolescents from getting the sleep they need”.