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A new study published on March 19, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One reveals that people who stay up late, often referred to as “evening chronotypes,” may have a higher risk of depression due to their sleep quality, alcohol consumption, and mindfulness practices. The research, led by Simon Evans and his team from the University of Surrey, UK, sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by night owls, particularly among young adults.
Evening Chronotypes and Depression Risk
Previous research has consistently shown that individuals who stay up late—known as evening chronotypes—experience more depression symptoms compared to early risers, or “morning chronotypes.” In this new study, Evans and his colleagues aimed to explore the factors that could explain why late-night habits might contribute to a greater risk of depression. To do so, they collected data from 546 university students using an online questionnaire.
The questionnaire gathered self-reported data on the students’ sleep patterns, mindfulness practices, alcohol consumption, rumination tendencies, and levels of depression and anxiety. The findings confirmed that evening chronotypes were indeed at a higher risk of depression compared to morning chronotypes, and these risks could be attributed to differences in three key factors: mindfulness, sleep quality, and alcohol use.
Key Findings: Sleep Quality, Alcohol, and Mindfulness
On average, individuals with an evening chronotype reported poorer sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and lower levels of mindfulness compared to their morning counterparts. The study suggests that these three factors could play a significant role in why night owls tend to experience more mental health challenges, particularly depression.
Poor Sleep Quality:
Evening chronotypes often struggle with maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, leading to sleep deprivation and disturbed sleep quality. This disrupted sleep pattern has been linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
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Higher Alcohol Consumption:
Night owls in the study also reported higher levels of alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking can contribute to poor mental health, disrupt sleep, and exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression, creating a harmful cycle for those already at risk.
Lower Mindfulness:
The study also found that evening chronotypes tended to exhibit lower levels of mindfulness, which could hinder their ability to manage stress and emotions effectively. Mindfulness has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, helping individuals cope with difficult emotions and preventing rumination, which can contribute to depression.
Study Limitations and Future Implications
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between sleep habits and mental health, there are some limitations. The study’s cross-sectional design means that it cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships. The data was collected at just one point in time, so it is not clear whether poor sleep, high alcohol consumption, and low mindfulness are the causes of depression, or if depression is leading to these behaviors.
Additionally, the study was conducted with university students, and the findings may not be applicable to other age groups. However, the researchers note that young adults are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, and many tend to stay up late, making these findings especially relevant for this demographic.
Potential Interventions to Reduce Depression Risk
The authors of the study suggest that interventions aimed at improving mindfulness, sleep quality, and reducing alcohol consumption could help mitigate the risk of depression, especially among young adults. Promoting healthy sleep habits, offering mindfulness training, and addressing alcohol consumption in a targeted way could potentially help reduce the mental health risks associated with late-night habits.
The findings point to the importance of understanding how lifestyle factors—such as sleep, alcohol use, and mindfulness—can influence mental health, particularly in young adults who are at a stage of life where these behaviors are most prevalent. Interventions tailored to improve these factors could play a crucial role in reducing depression risk and improving overall well-being.
