Earlier Start Time for an Undergraduate Introductory Psychology Course Is Associated with Worse Academic and Sleep-Related Outcomes

Background: Few studies have examined the effects of later class start times in college, even though developmentally driven sleep phase changes persist into the mid-20s. Objective: We hypothesized that sleepiness would be higher in an 8 a.m. versus 10 a.m. section of Introductory Psychology, and grades, engagement, enjoyment, attendance, assignment completion, ease of waking and staying awake, and student evaluations of teaching (SETs) would be lower. Method: Eighty-two students enrolled in an 8 a.m. (n = 39) or 10 a.m. (n = 43) section of Introductory Psychology reported their GPA and completed the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Likert-scale items from the College's SET form, and other questions. Results: Students in the 8 a.m. section reported lower GPA, class grade, and assignments completed; more sleepiness; and a harder time waking up and staying awake for class. Several findings held when controlling for GPA. Conclusion: Results extend previous research and suggest the importance of offering later classes in college. Limitations include a small sample size, quasi-experimental design, and use of self-report data. Future researchers should test whether findings replicate with other kinds of classes and in other subjects. Teaching Implications: To maximize student success and well-being, later courses should be offered at the college level whenever feasible.