People who naturally stay up late and wake up later—commonly known as "night owls"—may face a higher risk of cognitive decline as they age compared to their early-rising counterparts, as per a new study.
The research, led by Ana Wenzler of the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, highlights the impact of one's chronotype—the body's natural preference for sleep and wake times—on long-term brain health. Chronotypes range from early birds (morning people) to night owls (evening types), with the latter group showing a greater vulnerability to age-related cognitive decline.
The study tracked around 23,800 individuals over a ten-year period, assessing their performance on cognitive tests. Results revealed that evening types experienced a more rapid decline in cognitive abilities than morning types. Published in The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, the findings suggest lifestyle factors could play a significant role.
"Evening people tend to smoke and drink more and exercise less,” said Wenzler. “In our study, about 25% of the cognitive decline risk could be attributed to smoking and poor sleep.”
Higher-educated participants showed a sharper decline: a one-hour delay in the sleep-wake cycle correlated with a 0.8-point drop in cognitive scores per decade.
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Wenzler theorizes that disrupted sleep rhythms may be a key contributor. “Evening types often have to start work early despite their natural rhythms, resulting in shorter sleep and less rest for the brain,” she explained.
Chronotype is not fixed for life, Wenzler noted. “Children are generally morning people, but during puberty, most shift to becoming night owls. By their 20s and 30s, many gradually shift back toward being morning types. Still, not everyone follows this pattern.”
Adjusting to an incompatible schedule can have consequences, Wenzler warned. “Trying to sleep before your body begins producing melatonin won’t work. If your body isn’t ready, you simply won’t fall asleep.”
She emphasized the need for more flexible work options for night owls, saying, “It would help if evening people were allowed to start work later, instead of forcing their bodies into rhythms they’re not built for.”
The takeaway? While you may not be able to change your chronotype, aligning your lifestyle with it as much as possible could be key to protecting your cognitive health over time.
