For a long time, it follows from various researches from all over the world that being a lark is more beneficial for health than being an owl. According to another study, staying up all night is harmful to a person’s psyche. People referred to as owls, that is, those who go to bed late at night, more often have bipolar disorder or symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.
That’s according to a new study conducted on 2,031 adults in Italy. The authors focused on the so-called chronotypes – that is, the natural setting of sleep and wakefulness. About 22.8 percent of participants identified themselves as night owls, 22.2 percent as larks, and 55 percent did not have a clear preference. In night owls, scientists have noted a higher incidence of signs of depression, anxiety, irritability and changeable moods. At the same time, they showed a higher degree of inability to manage their emotions.
“Our findings strongly support an association between evening chronotype and affective temperaments associated with vulnerability to bipolar disorder. “Individuals with later sleep-wake rhythms are more likely to dysregulate their emotions and have subclinical features of bipolar disorder, even in the general population.” the authors stated. Smokers also showed more of these traits, while quality sleep acted as a protective factor.
“These results highlight the importance of chronotype in assessing mood symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties. Taking sleep habits into account can help better estimate risks and tailor further care“, said Andrea Fiorillo, president of the European Psychiatric Association, about the results.
