- There are several risk factors for depression, such as lack of sleep and alcohol use.
- New research finds evidence suggesting that “night owls,” who prefer to stay active at night, may be at a higher risk of depression than “early risers” who are awake during the day.
- Researchers believe this is because “night owls” have poor sleep quality, low mindfulness, and use more alcohol than “early risers.”
“Depression is a serious health problem affecting many people around the world.” Dr. Simon Evansto a lecturer and researcher of the Department of Psychology at the University of Surrey, UK. Today’s medical news. “Depression can affect daily functioning, affect people’s work and education, and also increases the risk of developing other serious health conditions. Heart disease and strokeTherefore, it is important to study methods to reduce depression. ”
Evans is the lead author of a new study that found evidence suggesting that “night owls,” who prefer to stay active at night, may be at a higher risk of depression than “early risers,” who are awakened during the day.
This study was recently published in a journal PLOS 1.
In this study, the researchers collected data from 546 students aged 17-28 attending Surrey University via an online survey seeking information on sleep patterns, alcohol use, mindfulness, and levels of depression and anxiety.
Upon analysis, Evans and his team found that study participants with night chronotypes or night owls were particularly at increased risk for depression compared to patients with morning chronotypes or early risers.
People’s
“The majority of young adults (approximately 50%) are “nighttime owls,” and depression rates are
The researchers reported lower sleep quality and higher alcohol use, and lower mindfulness than those with morning chronotypes.
“More importantly, the discovery that the link between chronotypes and depression was entirely mediated by a specific aspect of mindfulness: “acting with awareness” – sleep quality and alcohol consumption,” Evans explained. “This means that these factors seem to explain why nocturnal owls report more depressive symptoms.”
“Up to 50% of young people are night owls, and our research shows that strategies to promote higher mindfulness, such as guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, better sleep quality, and lower alcohol use, have positive benefits for the mental health of these individuals,” he continued. “This is especially important given the high depression rate among young adults around the world.”
“We are planning further research, including screen time and digital technology, and are looking at how these factors affect sleep and mental health in young adults,” Evans added.
MNT I had the opportunity to talk Richard A. Bamides, Marylanda psychiatrist and Brainsway chief medical officer, commented on the study, which reinforced what she sees every day in clinical practice. Sleep and mental health are deeply linked.
“Deprived sleep can be both a symptom and a contributing factor for depression,” explained Bermudes.
“For young adults, where the brain is still developed and consistent, quality sleep is essential for emotional regulation and overall well-being. The more you learn about how sleep affects the risk of depression, the earlier you can intervene and prevent long-term struggles,” he said.
“Depression is a major cause of disorders around the world, with an increase in incidence, especially among young adults. There are effective treatments, but many people either don’t seek or do not meet the standard treatments available. Depression can be prevented before starting existing treatments if they can identify modifiable risk factors such as sleep patterns, physical activity, and nutrition.
– Richard A. Bummyde, Maryland
MNT I spoke again Nathan Carroll, do, MBAChief Psychiatry Resident at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, New Jersey.
Carol commented that this is a great study that reinforces the idea that sleep and depression can be linked and cope with by targeting modifiable risk factors that help reduce depression, particularly in the evening type individuals.
“In a “always” society with constant cell phones, mobile phones, streaming services and social media, youth and young adults are driven to stay late. Techniques such as “conscious behavior” and mindfulness can help not only improve sleep and depression, but also help with other coexisting risk factors that may exist in an individual. ”
– Nathan Carroll, do, MBA
“We know that lifelong victims of depression are serious, and can lead to poor work performance, lower lifetime revenue, lower quality of life, and even shorter life expectancy.
“More longitudinal studies that test this study will help us build more evidence of these interventions. Furthermore, we would like to see public health campaigns targeting healthy sleep. We know that sleep is a very important component of our health and it is worth investing in campaigns aimed at improving sleep,” he added.
