Night owls are rejoicing.
A person’s chronotype, which determines their peak activity times based on their sleep schedule, can have a notable impact on their health. People who rise early and are most productive in the morning are commonly referred to as “morning larks,” whereas those who stay up late and are more active at night are known as “night owls.” Research has explored how these chronotypes influence various aspects of health, including physical activity, mental well-being, metabolic function, and cognitive performance.
Dr. Raha West from Imperial College London has underscored the vital role of sleep in maintaining overall health, emphasizing its influence on cognitive function, memory consolidation, emotional stability, and mental wellness. Poor sleep quality or inadequate sleep has been linked to several health issues, including an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive decline, and difficulties in daily activities. Dr. West’s recent study, published in BMJ Public Health, examined the ideal sleep duration for brain health and the cognitive differences between night owls and morning larks.
The study, which analyzed data from over 26,000 adults aged 53 to 86, found that sleeping between 7 and 9 hours per night is optimal for maintaining cognitive function. Both shorter and longer sleep durations were associated with lower cognitive test scores, highlighting the significance of achieving the right amount of sleep to support cognitive health. The research indicates that both too little and too much sleep can adversely affect brain performance.
Additionally, the study found that night owls generally have better cognitive abilities compared to morning larks. Participants who did not strictly identify as either morning or evening types also exhibited higher cognitive test scores than those who identified as morning larks. Younger individuals and those without chronic health conditions typically performed better on cognitive assessments, suggesting that these factors also play a critical role in cognitive health.
Dr. West proposed that future research should explore why evening types might have superior cognitive performance in older adults and whether these results are applicable to different age groups and populations. She also highlighted the need for further investigation into the quality of sleep and its interactions with other factors such as physical activity, diet, and social engagement, aiming to develop personalized interventions that enhance cognitive and overall health.
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