A recent study has revealed that staying up late at night could significantly increase the risk of developing depression, particularly among young adults. While the negative effects of poor sleep on both physical and mental health are well known, researchers have now identified a stronger link between late sleeping habits and mental health challenges.
The study, conducted by a research team at the University of Surrey in the UK, involved 550 university students aged between 17 and 28. Participants completed detailed questionnaires about their sleep patterns, alcohol consumption, ability to focus, and levels of anxiety and depression.
Results confirmed earlier findings, showing that students who regularly stayed awake into the late hours of the night experienced more pronounced symptoms of depression. The researchers also noted that late bedtimes were often associated with other unhealthy habits, such as lower sleep quality and reduced concentration levels, when compared to individuals who go to bed earlier.
“These findings are particularly significant at a time when the number of adults experiencing mental health issues continues to rise,” the researchers noted. They highlighted the need for targeted strategies to reduce depression risk among night owls, including the adoption of mindfulness practices and other mental wellness interventions.
The study’s authors also called for further research to explore whether these findings apply to other age groups, noting that the mental health impact of sleep timing could extend beyond university students.
