24 March 2025

Night Owls May Face Higher Risk of Depression Compared to Early Risers

A recent study suggests that individuals who are more active at night, often referred to as “night owls,” may have a greater risk of developing depression compared to those who wake up and function earlier in the day. Researchers believe this is due to factors such as poor sleep quality, lower mindfulness, and increased alcohol consumption, which are more commonly observed among night owls.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 5% of the global population experiences depression. Dr. Simon Evans, a neuroscience lecturer and researcher at the University of Surrey’s School of Psychology, emphasizes the significance of understanding depression, as it can affect daily life, work, and education while also increasing the risk of serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.

Dr. Evans, who led the study, highlights the importance of further research into lifestyle and behavioral patterns to identify potential ways to mitigate the risk of depression.