All articles tagged with #social jetlag
People who eat dinner after 9 p.m. often do so due to their biological and social rhythms, not laziness, with traits like being night-owls, prioritizing deep work and social connections, and adapting to cultural norms. Recognizing these patterns can lead to more compassionate and effective approaches to late-night eating, emphasizing alignment with one's natural clock and environment.
A 10-year study found that highly educated night owls experience more cognitive decline than early risers, mainly due to poor sleep quality and smoking, with work schedules forcing night owls into chronic social jetlag. The findings suggest flexible work hours and targeted health interventions could mitigate long-term brain health risks for night owls.
A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that children with ADHD who experience greater social jetlag—variance in sleep time between school nights and weekends—show poorer cognitive performance. Unlike social jetlag, the amount of time spent in bed and general sleep disturbances did not significantly correlate with cognitive outcomes. The findings suggest that maintaining consistent sleep routines could potentially benefit the cognitive functioning of children with ADHD.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that screen use before sleep among adolescents is linked to emotional problems. The study focused on the impact of chronotype (biological clock timing) and social jetlag (misalignment between biological and social rhythms). Adolescents who used screens before sleep had a later chronotype and experienced greater social jetlag, putting them at a higher risk of emotional difficulties. Disruption of circadian rhythms was identified as a key factor connecting screen exposure to psychopathology. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthier screen habits and considering adolescents' natural sleep patterns to support their emotional well-being.
Inconsistent sleeping patterns, known as social jetlag, can lead to unhealthy changes in gut bacteria, according to a study by Kings College London. The research found that even a 90-minute difference in sleep midpoint over the course of a week can influence the types of bacteria in the gut. Social jetlag, affecting over 40% of the UK population, is associated with poorer diets, including higher consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods, and lower intake of fruits and nuts. The study highlights the importance of maintaining regular sleep patterns and a balanced diet to reduce the risk of disease.