The saying goes “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” It might not actually make a person wealthy, but going to bed early is a wise move for their mental health.
A new study found those who regularly went to bed after 1 a.m. were more likely to experience mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
The study also found night owls who go to bed after 1 a.m. and sleep in later are the most likely to notice the mental health impacts.
One of the study’s authors said it could be linked to a theory called “mind after midnight.” The theory suggests the brain works differently late at night, which could impact mental health.
The findings could also have to do with a person’s circadian rhythm, which impacts all the body’s processes.
Experts say it is important for the body to get strong signals that indicate when it is daytime, often coming in the form of morning sun. So, if the body is not getting those signals or is getting mixed signals, it can cause issues with its biology, which could also affect the brain.
So, what does a person do if they cannot go to bed before 1 a.m., because of their job, for instance? Sleep experts said taking a 20 to 30-minute nap is a good start.
Experts also said people could also try exposing themselves to bright light, like a light box, during their dark working hours. Eating most of their meals in the daytime could also help.
