Night owls' cognitive function 'superior' to early risers, study suggests
A study from Imperial College London indicates night owls and "intermediate" sleepers may exhibit better cognitive function than early risers. Adequate sleep is crucial for optimal brain performance, emphasizing the need for managing sleep patterns. Experts advise caution due to study limitations.
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A study conducted by researchers at Imperial College London suggests that night owls may have superior cognitive function compared to early risers. Analyzing data from over 26,000 individuals, the study found that those who stay up late or identify as "intermediate" scored higher on intelligence, reasoning, and memory tests, while morning larks had lower scores. The research emphasized the importance of getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimal brain performance. Dr. Raha West highlighted the significance of managing sleep patterns to maintain brain health. However, experts cautioned about interpreting the findings, noting limitations in the study such as not considering education attainment or the timing of cognitive tests. The study challenges stereotypes around sleep patterns and suggests potential policy interventions to improve sleep habits in the general population.
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23 commentsTime of day (or time after waking up per subject) when tests were administered has not been controlled. Cognitive abilities are mediated by wakefulness (not to mention, related for most people, digestive processes) cycle.
If '"Night owls" smarter than morning people' sounds more plausible than 'time since waking up and last meal predictive of cognitive performance' it's time to get one's identity checked. And I can't imagine 'journalists' from thrash like Sky not knowing that, which brings me to the final point: what is this link doing here?
Yes I've tried melatonin, morning full-spectrum light therapy (incl sunlight), nighttime blue light filters, exercise, restricted night diet, alcohol + caffeine + sugar abstinence, and more that I'm sure I forgot about. Morning productivity just doesn't work for me. The world isn't made for night owl workers.
Night people tend to go to bed when they're tired and wake up when they're done sleeping.
Early risers either use an alarm or go to bed / wake up at fixed (i.e. forced) times, mostly due to external constraints.
Is the difference really between scheduled sleep and sleeping when you feel like it?
Jacqui Hanley, head of research funding at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Without a detailed picture of what is going on in the brain, we don’t know if being a ‘morning’ or ‘evening’ person affects memory and thinking, or if a decline in cognition is causing changes to sleeping patterns.”
My inhibitions & perfectionism slip away, my barriers fall, and the intrepid explorer in me comes out. I can work without constant self review, try things that I would want to consider more deeply in the day. The night is glorious & great.
I often think of David Mitchell's commentary on whether stripes make you look fat: https://youtu.be/ISZyJ5MHApI?si=4_hJVLfsvMWWDXKE
In case you want other mental health tips from the study: "Individuals who abstained from alcohol showed lower cognitive scores than those who consumed alcohol"
I just enjoy to sit in a dark silent room and do things when nothing gets in the way!
Working from home and working at night - for me this is the most quiet, energetic and productive time.
For the pure fun of breaking the narrative I found original article, it's here: https://bmjpublichealth.bmj.com/content/2/1/e001000
Time of day (or time after waking up per subject) when tests were administered has not been controlled. Cognitive abilities are mediated by wakefulness (not to mention, related for most people, digestive processes) cycle.
If '"Night owls" smarter than morning people' sounds more plausible than 'time since waking up and last meal predictive of cognitive performance' it's time to get one's identity checked. And I can't imagine 'journalists' from thrash like Sky (Guardian this time) not knowing that, which brings me to the final point: what is this link doing here?
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Research in the European Heart journal links sleeping between 10pm-11pm to lower heart disease risk. Study on 88,000 UK Biobank participants suggests a "golden hour" for sleep. More research needed for conclusive recommendations.
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Dark mode is popular for reducing eye strain and saving battery, but its benefits are debated. It may improve readability in dim light but lacks strong evidence for enhancing concentration or battery life. Its impact on eye health and sleep quality is inconclusive.
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