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Night Owls Prone to Bipolar Traits, Study Finds
29 Mar
Summary
- Night owls show higher traits of depression and anxiety.
- Emotional dysregulation is more common in evening chronotypes.
- Good sleep quality acts as a protective factor against mood tendencies.
New research suggests a correlation between being a 'night owl' and displaying traits linked to bipolar disorder. A study involving 2,031 adults in Italy found that individuals preferring to stay up late reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, irritability, and unpredictable moods.
These evening chronotypes also exhibited greater emotional dysregulation, meaning they struggled more to manage intense emotions. The findings support a connection between later sleep-wake rhythms and a vulnerability to affective temperaments, even in the general population. Interestingly, smoking was associated with higher bipolar-like traits, while quality sleep showed protective benefits.
Experts emphasize the importance of considering sleep-wake preferences in assessing mood symptoms. This can aid clinicians in better identifying risks and tailoring follow-up care for individuals. Previous research has also indicated potential cognitive advantages for night owls, with figures like Winston Churchill and Barack Obama often cited as examples.
