
A large-scale study from the University of Exeter has found evidence that going against your natural body clock preference has a negative impact on your mental health. We spoke to PhD student Jessica O’Loughlin, the lead author on the paper, to find out more.
"We found the most robust evidence to date that being an early riser, you are less likely to have depression and more likely to report a higher well-being," says Jessica. The research, published at Nature.com, suggests that being misaligned with your natural sleep schedule is linked to the poorer wellbeing, but because typical working hours are skewed earlier in the day, it's natural night owls who are impacted most.
"We found that morning people are more aligned to their body clock preference and we believe this may be because of the way society is setup to a 9 to 5 schedule which benefits early risers," adds Jessica.
- New prototype violet LEDs won't keep you awake like blue light does
- Research says having a hot bath can improve physical fitness as efficiently as exercise
If you're thinking that your body clock is a matter of preference and discipline, that's not the whole story. This study builds on previous research using data from 23andMe (you'll know it as the company behind some of the best DNA home test kits) that identified 351 genes associated with being an early riser or a night owl.
That's not to say there aren't things you can do to shift your natural body clock, says Jessica. "This is a population representative study that uses these genetics to show early risers are protected from depression and have a better wellbeing. However, people can establish routines and make lifestyle choices that may mean they are working against their body clock, and this may not affect their mental health."
What about shift workers, whose sleep patterns are all over the place? Analysis on that is inconclusive to far, but Jessica says it could be "an interesting next line of research".
- Browse the best mattress 2021
- ... and the best memory foam mattress
- Here's how to sleep better at night
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Ruth is a lifestyle journalist specialising in sleep and wellbeing. She has tested more mattresses than her small flat can handle and will talk at length about them to anyone who shows even a passing interest, and has had to implement a one-in-one-out pillow policy for fear of getting smothered in the night. As well as following all the industry trends and advancements in the mattress and bedding world, she regularly speaks to certified experts to delve into the science behind a great night's sleep, and offer you advice to help you get there. She's currently Sleep Editor on Tom's Guide and TechRadar, and prior to that ran the Outdoors and Wellness channels on T3 (now covered by Matt Kollat and Beth Girdler-Maslen respectively).
-
Hublot debuts first-ever multicolour ceramic watch – but you won’t get one
Hublot unveils Magic Ceramic material, and it claims to be a world’s first
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
New iPhone Fold details suggest Apple's first foldable will be very different to rivals
This could be a real shake up for the foldable phone market
By Sam Cross Published
-
I’m a smart home expert – here are 5 smart blinds I'd recommend for a better night’s sleep
From SmartWings to IKEA, here are the smart blinds worth knowing about
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This smart sleep mask massages, plays music and eases facial tension
The Bob and Brad Eyeoasis 2 is a must-have for bad sleepers and screen users
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
This Panda London eye mask proves that the key to sleep is simplicity
Sleep masks: let’s go back to basics
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
I tried a sleep tracking app during my most sleep-challenged time of year – here's what I found out
Sleep Cycle can help improve your sleep routine, but could it make Christmas followed by a week of starring in a pantomime less exhausting?
By Jim McCauley Published
-
5 reasons you should use your LED face mask before you sleep
The evidence doesn't lie
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Waking up for work is tough in the winter – but smart tech can help you avoid that snooze button
How smart tech makes winter mornings run smoother
By T3.com Published
-
Nutritionist reveals 3 foods you should eat before bed to stay warm
Struggling to stay warm during the night? Try eating some of these
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
This smart sleep headband is designed by neuroscientists to help treat insomnia
Are headbands the new sleep technology trend?
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published