A person’s chronotype is defined by their sleeping patterns and determines when they are most active during the day. Morning larks are early risers who are most active in the morning, while night owls are individuals who are most productive in the evenings and prefer to sleep in late. Past research has explored how these different chronotypes may impact various aspects of health, including physical activity, cognitive function, metabolism, and mental well-being. Sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive function, memory, emotional balance, and overall mental health. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep has been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive decline, and impairments in daily functioning.
Researchers at Imperial College London conducted a study that analyzed data from over 26,000 adults aged 53 to 86 listed in the U.K. Biobank to investigate the relationship between sleep duration, chronotype, and cognitive ability. The study found that sleeping between 7 and 9 hours per night was optimal for brain health, with both shorter and longer sleep durations negatively impacting cognitive test scores. Surprisingly, individuals who identified as night owls performed better on cognitive tests than morning larks. The findings suggested that optimum sleep duration is essential for maintaining cognitive health, and too much or too little sleep may be detrimental to brain performance.
While previous research has shown that disruptions in circadian rhythms can negatively impact cognitive abilities, the specific impact of being a morning or evening person on cognitive function, especially in older adults, remains less known. The study’s findings indicated that evening types (night owls) had better cognitive function in older adults compared to morning larks, possibly due to changes in circadian rhythms associated with aging. Younger participants and those without chronic diseases also tended to score higher on cognitive tests, highlighting the complex relationship between sleep patterns, age, and cognitive performance.
Despite the findings suggesting that night owls may have better cognitive abilities than morning lark, individuals should not be overly concerned about their chronotype negatively affecting their cognitive health. The study only found associations, not causality, and there is a wide range of cognitive performance within each chronotype. The key takeaway from the research is the importance of maintaining high-quality sleep and understanding one’s natural sleep patterns. Consistency in sleep schedule and ensuring the right amount of sleep is crucial for cognitive health, regardless of whether one is a morning or evening person.
Neurologist Clifford Segil from Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California also emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep, regardless of one’s chronotype. He noted that individuals should focus on ensuring they get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to support cognitive health. Additionally, Segil advised that if someone accrues a sleep debt, they should prioritize paying it off to avoid negative impacts on cognitive function. Overall, the study underscores the significance of adequate and consistent sleep for maintaining cognitive health and suggests that understanding one’s sleep patterns and prioritizing good sleep habits are essential for overall well-being.
