A person’s chronotype determines their most active time of day based on their sleeping patterns. Morning larks are those who wake up early and are most active in the morning, while night owls get the most done at night and sleep in late. Studies have shown that understanding the impact of sleep on brain function is crucial for overall health, as poor sleep quality has been linked to various health issues. Raha West, lead author of a recent study from Imperial College London, found that getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night is optimal for brain health.
The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults aged 53 to 86 to assess cognitive test performance based on sleep duration and chronotype. Results showed that sleeping less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours negatively impacted cognitive function. Additionally, individuals who identified as night owls had better cognitive abilities compared to morning larks. This finding contradicts previous studies that suggested morning types tend to have better health and cognitive outcomes. West believes that the relationship between chronotype and cognitive performance may vary with age, as evening types performed better in the older cohort due to changes in circadian rhythms.
Despite the study’s findings, morning-active individuals should not worry about harming their cognitive health. The key is to focus on getting high-quality sleep and understanding one’s natural sleep patterns. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring the right amount of sleep is crucial for cognitive health, regardless of whether one is a morning or evening person. Neurologist Clifford Segil agrees, emphasizing the importance of getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to support brain function. He also advises paying off any sleep debts to maintain optimal cognitive performance.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of sleep duration and chronotype on cognitive function in older adults. Getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night is optimal for brain health, and individuals who identify as night owls may have better cognitive abilities than morning larks. While the findings may seem contradictory to previous research, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and prioritizing high-quality sleep is key for overall cognitive well-being. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between chronotype and cognitive performance in different age groups and populations, as well as the role of other factors like physical activity, diet, and social engagement on brain function.
