Night Owls at Higher Risk for Depression: Study Uncovers Key Factors

Night Owls at Greater Risk for Depression Due to Sleep and Lifestyle Factors

The age-old debate about whether it's better to rise early or stay up late has sparked more than just personal preferences—it has now become a topic of scientific interest, particularly regarding mental health. A new study, published on March 19, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One, explores the connection between late-night habits, also known as "evening chronotypes," and an increased risk of depression. This study, led by Simon Evans and colleagues from the University of Surrey, UK, has added further insight into the complex relationship between sleep patterns, lifestyle choices, and mental health.

The Evening Chronotype and Depression: A Growing Concern

Previous studies have already suggested that people who stay up late—often referred to as "night owls" or evening chronotypes—are more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression compared to morning people. The new research further confirms these findings, offering evidence that night owls are at a notably higher risk of developing depression.

What sets this study apart, however, is that it goes beyond just observing the connection between late-night behavior and depression. Evans and his team sought to explore the underlying factors that might explain why evening chronotypes are more vulnerable to mental health issues. To do so, they collected data from 546 university students, using an online questionnaire to gather information about the students' sleep patterns, mindfulness, rumination tendencies, alcohol use, and depression and anxiety levels. The results offer new insights into why night owls may be at a greater risk.

Key Findings: Sleep, Alcohol, and Mindfulness

The study confirmed that evening chronotypes did, in fact, report higher levels of depression symptoms compared to morning types. However, the researchers discovered that this association could largely be explained by three key factors: sleep quality, alcohol consumption, and mindfulness practices.

1. Sleep Quality: One of the most significant findings of the study is that night owls tend to have poorer sleep quality than early risers. Poor sleep quality has long been linked to a variety of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Those who stay up late often face disruptions to their circadian rhythm, which in turn affects their overall sleep patterns and may lead to insufficient or low-quality rest. Chronic sleep disturbances can contribute to increased stress levels, emotional instability, and an overall higher risk of depression.
2. Alcohol Consumption: Another factor that distinguishes evening chronotypes from morning chronotypes is their higher average alcohol consumption. While drinking may initially help some people wind down, alcohol use has been shown to negatively impact sleep quality and exacerbate symptoms of depression. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems, including mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The study suggests that evening chronotypes may be using alcohol as a way to cope with sleep-related stress or low mood, but this behavior only serves to worsen their mental health in the long run.
3. Mindfulness: The third factor identified in the study is mindfulness, or the ability to remain present and aware in the moment. Evening chronotypes scored lower on mindfulness measures compared to morning chronotypes. Mindfulness has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health, including reduced stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and lower risk of depression. The study suggests that night owls, with their lower levels of mindfulness, may be less equipped to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that arise from poor sleep and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

The Limitations of the Study

While the study’s findings are compelling, there are several important limitations to consider. The study’s cross-sectional design, which collects data at only one time point, prevents the researchers from establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. This means that while the study finds an association between evening chronotypes and depression, it cannot definitively prove that staying up late directly causes depression.

Additionally, the study focused exclusively on university students, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other age groups. It’s possible that the results might differ in older populations or those with different lifestyle factors. Future research will be needed to further explore these connections and validate whether the same trends are observed across a wider demographic.

Potential Interventions: Addressing the Root Causes

Despite these limitations, the study’s authors suggest that interventions targeting sleep quality, alcohol consumption, and mindfulness practices could be beneficial for reducing depression risk among young adults, particularly night owls. For instance, improving sleep hygiene—such as setting consistent sleep schedules and reducing screen time before bed—could help regulate circadian rhythms and improve overall sleep quality.

Mindfulness interventions, such as meditation and stress-reduction exercises, may help night owls become more aware of their emotional states and develop healthier coping strategies. Additionally, reducing alcohol consumption or finding healthier alternatives for relaxation could also help mitigate the negative effects of late-night habits.

Conclusion: The Need for a Holistic Approach

The research conducted by Simon Evans and his team highlights the complex relationship between sleep patterns, lifestyle choices, and mental health. While evening chronotypes may be at greater risk for depression, the factors influencing this connection—poor sleep quality, high alcohol consumption, and low mindfulness—are all modifiable. By addressing these underlying factors, it may be possible to reduce depression risk and improve mental well-being in young adults.

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence linking sleep behavior and mental health, emphasizing the need for personalized and holistic approaches to managing depression. As the field of mental health research continues to evolve, a deeper understanding of how circadian rhythms and lifestyle choices impact mental health will be crucial in developing more effective treatment strategies.

Learn more: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0319915