A simple tweak to the sleeping patterns of ‘night owls’ – people with extreme late sleeping and waking habits – may improve performance in the mornings, and reduce depression and stress, a study has found. AdvertisingThe research, published in the journal Sleep Medicine, showed that, over a three-week period, it was possible to shift the circadian rhythm of ‘night owls’ using non-pharmacological and practical interventions. ‘Night owls’ are individuals whose internal body clock dictates later-than-usual sleep and wake times — in this study participants had an average bedtime of 2.30 am and wake-up time of 10.15 am. It also increased the number of days in which breakfast was consumed and led to better mental well-being, with participants reporting a decrease in feelings of stress and depression. Advertising“Establishing simple routines could help ‘night owls’ adjust their body clocks and improve their overall physical and mental health.

Source: Indian Express June 11, 2019 03:45 UTC