![]() As our research shows, morning lark and night owl preferences aren’t set in stone. There's a strong link between anxiety and depression, and sleep problems, and it goes both ways We know getting enough sleep is extremely important for both mental and brain health. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on teens’ sleep-wake habits early in adolescence to support their later emotional and behavioural health. Importantly, we show that becoming a night owl increases the risk of experiencing behavioural problems and delayed brain development in later adolescence, rather than the other way round. It also builds on earlier research that indicates these changes might emerge in the teenage years. These findings build on previous research showing differences in brain structure between morning larks and night owls. We know growth of white matter is important in the teenage years to support cognitive, emotional and behavioural development. We found the white matter of night owls didn’t increase to the same degree as teens who were morning larks. Our research also showed that teens who shifted to becoming a night owl had a different rate of brain development than teens who remained morning larks. In other words, we found that earlier emotional and behavioural problems didn’t influence whether a teenager became more of a morning lark or night owl in late adolescence. Importantly, this relationship did not occur in the reverse direction. This included greater aggression, rule breaking, and antisocial behaviours.īut they weren’t at increased risk of emotional problems, such as anxiety or low mood. Teens who shifted to becoming a night owl in early adolescence (around the age of 12-13) were more likely to have behavioural problems several years later. However, our study is the first to examine how changes in sleep preferences might affect how white matter grows over time.Ī parent's guide to why teens make bad decisions We focused on mapping changes in the structure of white matter – the brain’s connective tissue that allows our brains to process information and function effectively.Įarlier research shows the structure of white matter of morning larks and night owls differ. The teens also had two brain scans, several years apart, to examine their brain development. Participants repeated these questionnaires several times over the next seven years. We asked over 200 teens and their parents to complete a series of questionnaires about the teens’ sleep preferences, and emotional and behavioural wellbeing. In our study, we tried to answer these questions, following teenagers for many years. Does being a night owl increase the risk for later emotional and behavioural problems? Or do emotional and behavioural problems lead to someone becoming more of a night owl? ![]() This includes differences in both the grey and white matter, which have been linked to differences in memory, emotional wellbeing, attention and empathy.ĭespite these links, it’s unclear how this relationship might emerge. It’s the opposite of an early bird.Emerging research also indicates morning larks and night owls have a different brain structure. ![]() The term night owl refers to someone who goes to bed late and wakes up late. There will also be tours of local corporations and plenty of evening hobnobbing at dinners and “night owl” cocktail parties, according to the event’s agenda. ![]() This excerpt is about parties that will occur in the late evening. He is a notorious night owl, someone who needs sleep for only a few hours each evening, but it’s unclear whether that status is related to his use of prescription pain medication. In a statement last week, Woods said he also would seek help for a sleep disorder.The example below is about a golf player who stays awake late. Even though I wish I could be a night owl, my new job is forcing me to be an early bird. When and where is the party?Īrlena: It’s at that dance club and it starts at 11 p.m. In this dialogue, two friends are discussing whether or not to go to a party.Īrlena: Hey! I’m going to a party this weekend. That sounds awful! It’s too bad you aren’t both night owls! ![]() Since I work better at night than in the morning, my productivity levels have decreased so much.Ĭhristine: Hmmm. This keeps me awake as well, which means I can’t get up as early as I normally do. Kerry: Well, as you know, I’ve always been an early bird. ![]()
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