A team of researchers examined the relationship between sleep habits and mental well-being among 442 participants.
Their findings will be presented at an upcoming joint meeting of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, according to HealthDay.
Participants were assessed based on their chronotype, which describes whether a person naturally prefers to be awake earlier or later in the day.
They also answered questions about loneliness and anxiety, giving researchers insight into their mental well-being.
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Fewer social interactions
According to the researchers, people with a late chronotype may find it more difficult to fit their social lives into the same schedules as family members, friends, and colleagues.
This can result in fewer social activities and more time spent alone, particularly during the evening and nighttime hours.
The researchers therefore suggest that social experiences may play an important role in the mental health of people with a pronounced evening-oriented rhythm.
More anxiety
The study found that individuals with a late sleep pattern reported anxiety more frequently than other participants.
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Researchers also found that feelings of loneliness at night appear to play a role in this relationship.
Because the findings have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, they should be considered preliminary.
Sources: HealthDay, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and Sleep Research Society.
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