A person’s chronotype determines their peak activity times based on their sleeping patterns, with “morning larks” being most active in the early part of the day and “night owls” being more active during the night. Sleep is vital for brain function, memory consolidation, emotional balance, and overall mental wellness. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can lead to various health problems, such as cognitive decline and impairments in daily functioning. A recent study from Imperial College London found that getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night is optimal for brain health. People who identify as night owls may have better cognitive ability than morning larks.
The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults aged 53 to 86 from the U.K. Biobank, focusing on cognitive tests related to memory, reaction time, and fluid intelligence. Results showed that sleeping less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours negatively impacted cognitive test scores, highlighting the importance of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night for optimal brain function. Furthermore, individuals who identified as night owls performed better on cognitive tests compared to morning larks, suggesting that chronotype can influence cognitive abilities in older adults.
Previous research has shown that disruptions in circadian rhythms, such as those from shift work or jet lag, can have a negative impact on cognitive abilities. While morning types were traditionally thought to have better health and cognitive outcomes in younger individuals, this study found that evening types performed better cognitively in older adults. Further research is needed to explore why evening types may exhibit better cognitive function with age and to investigate the role of sleep quality and other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and diet, on cognitive health.
Although morning-active individuals may be concerned about potentially harming their cognitive health, the study’s findings should not cause alarm. The key is to focus on getting high-quality sleep and understanding one’s natural sleep patterns. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring an adequate amount of sleep is essential for cognitive health, regardless of whether a person is a morning or evening person. Neurologist Clifford Segil concurs, emphasizing the importance of getting enough sleep, with the study’s recommendation of 7 to 9 hours per night being a crucial focus for overall cognitive health.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the relationship between chronotype, sleep duration, and cognitive function in older adults. The findings suggest that the optimal range of 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night is vital for maintaining cognitive health, and individuals who identify as night owls may have an advantage in cognitive abilities compared to morning larks. Understanding the impact of sleep on brain function and incorporating good sleep habits into daily routines can help improve cognitive performance and overall well-being. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these findings and to determine how lifestyle factors may influence cognitive health across different age groups and populations.
