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The Surprising Link Between Late Bedtimes And Depression

A recent study has shed light on why night owls, those who stay up late, may face a higher risk of depression. Researchers found that these individuals are less likely to be mindful, meaning they are less engaged in the present moment. Alongside this lack of mindfulness, poor sleep quality and higher alcohol consumption are also significant contributors to their increased risk of depression.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, was led by Simon Evans, a lecturer in neuroscience at the University of Surrey. Evans and his team explored various aspects of mindfulness and their relationship to depression. They specifically highlighted the importance of the “acting with awareness” facet of mindfulness, which involves being fully present and attentive to tasks, as opposed to operating on autopilot.

Nearly 550 university students participated in the study, answering questions about their sleep habits, mindfulness levels, alcohol use, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results showed that night owls reported more depression symptoms compared to those with average sleep patterns. Additionally, night owls tended to have worse sleep quality and consumed more alcohol, both of which have been linked to depression in previous research.

The study also explored how mindfulness influences depression risk, revealing that morning people typically exhibited better mindfulness and lower depression risk, likely due to better sleep quality. In contrast, evening types, with their poorer sleep, were more prone to daytime fatigue and inattention, which may decrease their awareness and increase the risk of depression.

The researchers suggest that night owls could reduce their risk of depression by improving their sleep hygiene, reducing alcohol intake, and practicing mindfulness. They emphasize that enhancing mindfulness, particularly the “acting with awareness” aspect, could be an effective approach in mental health interventions for individuals prone to depression.