Experts pinpoint the sleeping pattern that raises depression risk
British researchers found those who stay up late generally had a tendency to worry excessively into the wee hours and consumed more alcohol — a known risk factor for mental illness.
They said their findings suggested interventions to change this sleeping pattern could potentially reduce symptoms of depression — suffered by about one in six adults.
In the study, University of Surrey experts questioned 546 university students about their sleeping patterns.
They classified participants as either morning types (early risers), evening types (night owls) or intermediate.
The study found night owls scored two points higher on a medical depression questionnaire than early risers, on average.
Participants were also asked about their awareness of their thoughts and feelings, their tendency to ruminate and alcohol use.
Analysis of the results revealed night owls tended to drink more alcohol, have poorer sleep quality and more frequently reported ruminating.
Poorer sleep quality and drinking too much alcohol could be driving increased rates of depression in people who stay up late and are slow to rise, a study suggests. Stock image
Writing in the journal PLOS One, the researchers said these factors could be contributing to the increased risk of depression among in this group.
They highlighted those who stay up late have more time to ponder and worry about their lives, compared to those who go to bed early, and this habit could increase their depression risk.
Researchers also found people who go to bed early were more likely to report a greater awareness of their emotions and thoughts.
This, the authors suggested, could act as a form of protection against low moods.
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: 'With many young adults' experiencing poor mental health, these study findings are particularly important.'
'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.
Routinely sleeping less than six or seven hours a night demolishes your immune system and significantly raises your risk of developing numerous forms of cancer
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.
Night owls, on average scored a two on this scale whereas early risers only scored one.
The study is observational, meaning although researchers found a link between factors like poorer sleep, consuming alcohol and risk of depression in night owls, they cannot directly prove these were the cause, and not some other aspect of their lives.
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.
Patients with existing depression may instead increase their alcohol intake to 'drown their sorrows' which can then exacerbate their condition.
Another limitation of the new study was that only 38 of the participants were early risers, which could limit the interpretation of the findings.
Previous studies have delivered mixed results when it comes to if being a night owl is beneficial or detrimental to health.
The solid line in this graph depicts the average risk of dying [the Y axis] based on sleep duration [the X axis]. The dash line represents the confidence intervals, which provide a range in which scientists can be sure the true risk of death lies
The graph shows that sleeping fewer than around six hours vastly increases one's risk of chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke
A study last year reported late risers could have sharper brain function, performing better in cognition tests, compared to other sleeping patterns.
However, other research has suggested night owls are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes because their body clock is out of sync with society.
Other studies have also found they are more likely to smoke, eat unhealthy food and have 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.
British political titan and former prime minister Winston Churchill was also a night owl, going to bed at 4am and rising so late that he hosted War Cabinet meetings in his bath.
'The King' Elvis Presley also had late night sleeping habits, often only having breakfast at 4pm.
Pop star Robbie Williams has also said he is a night owl previously claiming he doesn't go to sleep until 6am and makes his first meal of the day at 5pm.
According to latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) about one in six adults in the UK experienced moderate to severe depressive symptoms in 2022.
While most people will go through periods of feeling down those who feel persistently sad for weeks or months are urged to seek help from their GP.
Treatment for depression varies by severity, at the milder end a GP might suggest exercise or talking therapies.
Those with severe cases can be prescribed a combination of therapy and drugs like antidepressants.
