Experts say if you sleep during this timeframe, you may be at a higher risk of depression

It is no news that quality sleep is essential for well-being. Having a good sleep is beneficial to our mental health and cognitive functioning. We have often been told to avoid sleeping late as it is bad for our health. However, studies have added that the time you sleep can play an impactful role in the risk of developing depression, per Parade. A previous study noted that different sleep timings and patterns may be associated with different risk levels of the mental health condition, per Science Direct. However, a recent study published by PLOS One revealed in-depth information and it is eye-opening. 

There are two kinds of sleep chronotypes or patterns that we are well aware of. One is the morning type or early bird. This group prefers to wake up or sleep at earlier hours. The other is the evening type or the night owls. This category tends to stay up or sleep in late. The previous study revealed that those who have sleeping patterns during the night also have certain depressive symptoms. Moreover, it concluded that there was a correlation between "eveningness" and “mood disorder symptoms.” However, it was unable to explain why this could be possible. 

The recent study shed some light on the topic. It surveyed 646 students between the ages of 17 and 28 to understand their health, habits, personalities, mental health and sleep patterns. The survey revealed that 15% to 25% of the population are morning types, 50% to 60% are somewhere in between and 10% to 20% are evening types. In conclusion, it was noted that the evening-type group exhibited an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms. It also highlighted that there was no difference in the effect among the clinical and non-clinical evening-type samples.

The study thus concluded that depression or symptoms of the like are not “consequences” but “increase vulnerability for depression." The night owls were twice as depressed as their counterparts. Moreover, there were other observations regarding the former. The top two observations were that people who slept late had poorer quality of sleep and were less mindful or aware of their emotions and actions. This does not end here. Sleeping late is not the best option and that fact has been stirring for a while. However, using the responses from the survey, the study undermined what timeframe is more likely to be affected the most.

The morning types revealed their sleep time to be between 10 pm and 11 pm, the intermediate type is between 11.30 pm and 12.30 am and the evening type, known to have a high risk of depression, is between 12.00 am and 2 am. The evening-type sleeping schedule is also likely to bring other chronic illnesses. However, the study noted that it is not only the timeframe of sleep that brings in depressive symptoms. Even habits like alcohol consumption, poor sleep quality, lack of mindfulness and lack of expression about feelings can add to the evening-type sleep schedule and increase depression. The solution, then, is to try and get to bed on time but also be aware of sleeping habits and mental well-being.