Researchers have revealed shocking findings about the impact of sleep habits on mental health. They found that those who prefer to stay up late suffer from more rapid cognitive decline than those who wake up early.
Researcher Anna Winzeler from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands analyzed data from nearly 23,800 participants and found that only 5% of them were classified as "night owls" (or "night people"), someone who tends to stay up late at night.
But the surprise was the discovery that this group faces a higher risk of cognitive decline, not because of their sleep timing per se, but because of unhealthy behaviors associated with their lifestyle.
After analyzing data from nearly 24,000 people, researchers found that those classified as "night owls" experience more rapid cognitive decline than "early birds" (someone who typically wakes up early in the morning and goes to bed early in the evening), with a difference of up to ten years in brain aging.
The study, conducted by the University of Groningen, indicated that the problem lies in the behaviors associated with a night-time lifestyle. People who stay up late often smoke more, consume more alcohol, and stop exercising—factors that significantly accelerate the decline of cognitive function.
The most striking paradox is that this negative effect is more pronounced among highly educated individuals. Researchers attribute this to the discrepancy between these individuals' biological clocks and their morning work schedules, which leads to chronic sleep deprivation. A body that does not receive adequate rest at night becomes unable to perform the natural "cleaning" processes the brain performs during sleep to remove toxins and consolidate memories.
Fortunately, researchers confirm that modifying certain habits can reduce these risks, even for those who cannot change their night-time habits. Focusing on improving sleep quality, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol can all provide a protective shield against early cognitive decline.
