Study Warns Night Owls of Increased Risk of Depression

28th March 2025

3 minutes read

Study Warns Night Owls of Increased Risk of Depression

A recent study has revealed that individuals who tend to stay up late at night and wake up late in the morning are at a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to those who follow an earlier sleep schedule.

Researchers from the University of Surrey have conducted extensive research to better understand the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon and explore potential solutions to mitigate its effects, according to the science news website Science Alert.

An In-Depth Analysis of Chronotypes and Their Impact on Mental Health

As part of this study, scientists analyzed chronotypes—a scientific term used to classify the variations in people’s natural sleep-wake cycles—among a group of 546 university students. These participants were subjected to a series of tests and questionnaires to determine their chronotype and assess the impact of their sleep habits on their psychological well-being.

Neuroscientist Simon Evans, an expert in circadian rhythms and sleep, explained to BBC Science Focus: “The late chronotype—also known as the ‘night owl’—is a biological tendency that drives some individuals to be more active in the evening, naturally leading them to sleep and wake up later than the average person.”

He added: “Chronotype has a strong genetic basis, meaning that being a night owl is not merely a lifestyle choice but rather an innate biological inclination.”

The Link Between Late Chronotypes and Depression

For years, scientific research has established a correlation between late chronotypes and an increased risk of developing severe depressive symptoms. This new study further reinforces those findings by confirming that individuals who habitually go to bed late and wake up late exhibit significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than those with an intermediate or morning chronotype.

Researchers also hypothesize that depression itself may contribute to a delayed chronotype. The lack of motivation and increased anxiety associated with depression can make it particularly difficult for individuals to get out of bed in the morning. Additionally, an overwhelming flow of negative thoughts at night can interfere with relaxation and falling asleep, leading to a progressive shift in sleep patterns.

Another concerning finding from the study was that individuals with a late sleep schedule reported significantly higher levels of rumination, a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent, repetitive negative thinking. This tendency can exacerbate anxiety and emotional distress, further reinforcing the link between late chronotypes and depression.

Sleep Disruptions Caused by Social and Professional Demands

Beyond biological and psychological factors, researchers also highlighted the impact of academic, social, and professional obligations on the sleep patterns of night owls.

Many people with a late chronotype are forced to conform to schedules dictated by society, often resulting in chronic sleep deprivation. For example, a student or employee with a naturally nocturnal body clock may be required to wake up early for classes or work, even when their body is not fully rested.

This misalignment between an individual’s internal biological clock and the demands of daily life is known as “chronic social misalignment.” Over time, this condition can lead to an accumulation of fatigue and a persistent sleep deficit, both of which negatively affect mental health and may contribute to the onset or worsening of depressive symptoms.

Strategies to Reduce the Negative Effects of a Late Chronotype

Despite these concerning findings, researchers have also identified potential ways to lessen the negative impact of a late chronotype on mental health.

Through extensive statistical analysis, they discovered that certain mindfulness traits can play a protective role in reducing the risk of depression among night owls.

Specifically, two mindfulness-related traits were found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between depression and a late chronotype:

“Acting with awareness”, which refers to the ability to be fully conscious of one’s thoughts and emotions without passing judgment, whether they are positive or negative.
“Describing”, which is the ability to accurately identify and label one’s emotions and thoughts.
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Interestingly, the researchers observed that early risers—those who wake up and go to bed early—scored particularly high on the “acting with awareness” trait. This characteristic may help explain why morning people are often perceived as more energetic and alert.

However, this observation is directly linked to sleep quality: a more restful sleep reduces fatigue, enhances concentration, and minimizes mental distractions, allowing individuals to be more present in the moment. Therefore, by improving their sleep quality, night owls may be able to mitigate some of the negative effects associated with their chronotype and better protect their psychological well-being.