Early-Birds Have a Stronger Mental Health Than Night Owls, Latest Study Reveals
Are you an early bird? Do you love waking yourself early in the morning and start your day? Well then, the health experts have good news for you! Not only early birds tend to be more productive, but new research also reveals they have a lower risk in acquiring mental health issues compared to those night owls. Let us uncover how our sleeping cycle affects our mental health.
The Study
The researchers from the University of Exeter conducted a study on more than 700,000 participants. Together, they pulled their genetic data and surveyed whether they are a morning or evening person. The study’s proponents discovered a repeating pattern between the participants’ preference as well as their genetic makeup. And what they found were disturbing connections linked to mental health problems.
The study shows most night owls have a 10% higher chance to develop schizophrenia compared to early risers. Aside from that, most late risers tend to get more depressed while early risers feel more satisfied and happier with life. They also attribute most night owls are working against their body clock – causing them to slump and feel exhausted as they go to school or work.
How to Wake Up Early?
While the researchers say it isn’t easy for night owls to sleep and wake up early, it can certainly be done through consistency until you develop a habit. The health experts recommend that you apply these tips to become an active early riser and increase your productivity while protecting your overall mental health.
The 30-Minute Earlier Method
Since it’s difficult for night owls to sleep early abruptly, the health experts recommend you do it gradually until you get used to your new schedule. For example, if you usually sleep around midnight and you wake up at 8 a.m, start sleeping around 11:30 p.m and wake up at 7:30 a.m. a for a week or two.
Once you’re accustomed to a new schedule, push your plan for another 30 minutes at 11 p.m. Continue doing this until you’ve hit your ideal sleeping and waking time and stick to it.
Keep Your Environment Cozy and Dark
To help lull yourself to sleep, the experts recommend you keep your room cozy and dark. For example, you can turn on your air conditioner 30 minutes before your sleeping schedule so that by the time you walk in, it’ll be cold enough for you to sleep comfortably.
Another thing, make sure you block all sources of light coming from your TV’s red power button down to your laptop and mobile phone screens. According to studies, the blue light emitted from these devices disrupts the production of melatonin – a hormone responsible for promoting your sleep cycle. When you lie on your bed, it’s crucial not to do anything that’ll activate your brain’s alertness.
Take a Nap Earlier
Are you feeling sleepy? Before you give in to have that little nap, the experts recommend you should time in your rest earlier. Either you can do it on lunch or not later than seven hours after you wake up. Why?
It’s because if you nap later, you tend to receive a burst of energy through the night – making it difficult for you to sleep. Instead, take a nap during your lunch break so that you can use that energy at work. By the time you get home, your power is running low until you sleep.
Try Camping For a Week
The experts recommend you take a break from a busy urban life and reconnect with nature by going camping. Not only it cuts off your communication (and distraction) from the outside world, but you’ll enjoy the breeze of natural wind from trees, you’ll have a wonderful time gazing at the marvelous stars on the sky while lulling yourself to sleep. Most of all, it’ll be easier for you to wake up early by welcoming the sunrise’ gentle light rays.
More in Mind & Mental
-
`
Home Safety: Keeping Bugs and Spiders Away From Your Home
Spiders may look a bit intimidating with their eight legs and beady eyes, but did you know that most of them...
December 27, 2023 -
`
Why Adults With ADHD Are 3x More Likely to Develop Dementia
We have all heard of ADHD, haven’t we? Hyper kids, distractions galore, restless minds – these are images we often associate...
December 11, 2023 -
`
Signs of Emotional Connection in Relationships
Building a strong connection with someone isn’t just about being in sync or sharing hobbies—it’s about that deeper bond, where you...
December 4, 2023 -
`
Hollywood’s Shortest Marriages: Britney Spears, Carmen Electra & More!
In the glitzy world of Hollywood, where fairy tales often unfold on the silver screen, there exists a flip side—a realm...
December 3, 2023 -
`
The Surprising Benefits of Unplugging
In today’s hyper-connected world, where we are constantly bombarded with notifications, messages, and the allure of social media, disconnecting may seem...
November 26, 2023 -
`
How “Looking Your Best” Improves Our Wellbeing
Most of us have had moments standing in front of our closet, deciding on an outfit for the day. And we...
November 15, 2023 -
`
Meet the Woman Who ALMOST Married Barack Obama
Barack Obama’s life has been a captivating narrative, often told and retold, with each revelation adding layers of intrigue to his...
November 5, 2023 -
`
The Rise of Caviar Bumps, Thanks to Gen Z
In an intriguing twist of culinary culture, millennials and Gen Zers are drawn to an unusual indulgence – fish eggs, or...
October 28, 2023 -
`
Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD
Ever had that burning-in-the-chest sensation after a meal? Or perhaps you have lain awake at night with an odd sour taste...
October 17, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login