Overview

• A study of 546 university students found that individuals with an evening chronotype, or night owls, are at a higher risk of depression than early risers.
• Key factors contributing to this increased risk include poor sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and lower mindfulness levels.
• Young adults, whose biological tendencies often lean toward evening chronotypes, are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
• Social jetlag, caused by a mismatch between natural body clocks and daily schedules, was identified as a factor leading to poorer sleep quality in night owls.
• Researchers suggest interventions such as improving sleep quality, fostering mindfulness, and moderating alcohol use to help reduce depression risks in this group.