- EXPLORE FURTHER: Scientists claim that inadequate sleep could lead to an unusual shift in one’s character traits.
People who stay up late have a higher chance of depression In comparison to those who rise early, a study suggests.
British researchers discovered that people who stay up late tend to experience excessive worrying during these late hours and also consume more. alcohol —a recognized risk factor for mental health disorders.
Their research indicated that implementing strategies to alter this sleep pattern might possibly decrease depression symptoms, which affect approximately one in every six adults.
In this research, specialists from the University of Surrey asked 546 college students about their sleep habits.
They categorized participants into three groups: morning types (those who wake up early), evening types (individuals who prefer staying up late), or intermediate.
The research revealed that night owls scored an average of two points higher on a medical depression questionnaire compared to early risers.
Participants were additionally questioned regarding their consciousness of their thoughts and emotions, their inclination towards brooding, as well as their alcohol consumption.
The analysis showed that individuals who stay up late tend to consume larger amounts of alcohol, experience lower sleep quality, and often report brooding thoughts more frequently.
Writing in the journal PLOS One The researchers indicated that these elements might be linked to the heightened risk of depression within this population.
Those who remain awake until late at night get additional hours to reflect and fret over their life challenges, as opposed to individuals who retire earlier. This tendency might elevate their likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.
The study also revealed that individuals who retire to bed earlier tended to exhibit higher levels of emotional and cognitive self-awareness.
The authors proposed that this might serve as a shield against feelings of depression.
Night owls recorded an average sleep quality score of eight, with higher scores indicating worse sleep, compared to an average of five among those with earlier bedtimes.
The authors concluded: "Given the prevalence of poor mental health among numerous young adults, these study findings hold significant importance."
'Many young adults tend to stay up late and the results point to how interventions could be implemented to reduce their risk of depression.'
Levels of alcohol consumption were not directly recorded in the study.
Instead, participants were grouped into six categories based on units of alcohol they reported drinking on average per week, with one being the fewest and six the most.
On average, night owls received a score of two on this scale, while early risers only managed a score of one.
This study is observational, which means that even though researchers identified an association between elements such as poor sleep quality, drinking alcohol, and increased risk of depression among individuals who stay up late, they cannot definitively establish that these factors were the direct causes. There may be other aspects of their lifestyles contributing to this correlation.
The NHS acknowledges a link between alcohol and depression, warning consumption can lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of the mental health problem.
However, it's not as simple as saying drink causing depression.
Individuals who are already dealing with depression might resort to increasing their alcohol consumption as a way to cope with their sadness, thereby potentially worsening their situation.
A further constraint of the recent research is that merely 38 participants were considered morning people, potentially affecting how the conclusions can be interpreted.
Previous studies have delivered mixed results when it comes to if being a night owl is beneficial or detrimental to health.
A report from last year indicated individuals who wake up later might exhibit more acute mental acuity , showing improved performance in cognitive assessments, compared to various sleep schedules.
Nevertheless, some studies have indicated that night owls face an increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes due to their circadian rhythm. is not aligned with societal norms .
Other research has similarly shown that these individuals tend to be more prone to smoking, consuming unhealthful foods, and having a higher body mass index.
Famous night owls include former US president Barack Obama who reportedly went to bed well past midnight only to wake up at 7am.
Winston Churchill, the renowned British political leader and ex-prime minister, had nocturnal habits, typically retiring to bed around 4 am. He was known for holding War Cabinet meetings so tardily that they often took place while he was soaking in his bathtub.
Elvis Presley, known as 'The King,' was also famous for his late-night routines, frequently not having breakfast until 4 pm.
The pop star Robbie Williams has mentioned before that he is a night owl, once stating this about himself. doesn't retire until 6 am and prepares his initial meal of the day at 5 pm .
Based on recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately one out of every six adults in the UK reported experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms throughout 2022.
Although many individuals experience temporary feelings of sadness, those who endure persistent gloominess for several weeks or even months are strongly advised to consult their doctor for assistance.
The approach to treating depression can differ based on how severe it is. For less serious cases, a general practitioner may recommend activities like exercising or engaging in therapeutic conversations as initial treatments.
Individuals with severe cases may be advised to undergo a regimen combining therapeutic sessions with medications such as antidepressants.
Read more
0 Comments