During the lockdown, professionals started working from home and students started studying from home. Since there is no hurry to rush out of home in the mornings, people have been working late and sleeping late. As a result, they have been waking up late. Researchers have highlighted the fact that there is a relation between our moods and our sleep time.

What is the best time to sleep?

After conducting a genetic study in 840,000 people researchers came to the conclusion that if you sleep at 1 am then sleeping an hour earlier; at midnight would reduce your risk of depression by 23% and if you sleep at midnight, sleeping by 11pm would reduce your risk of depression by 40%. The study has been conducted through the "Mendelian randomization" method connecting genetic associations to help decipher cause and effect. The study has not highlighted whether sleeping earlier than 11 pm would have a positive impact on mood and whether those who are already sleeping at the right time should further prepone their time of going to bed or not.

Why is sleeping early associated with a lesser chance of depression?

Researchers suggest that sleeping early means getting up early. This means getting exposure to greater light. So, there are certain hormonal impacts that have a positive effect on our mood. Other than this, following a different pattern of sleeping than the societal clock; adds a sense of misalignment leading to changes in the mood. Researchers have two advises for us:

(1)“Have your morning coffee on the porch. Walk or ride your bike to work if you can, and dim those electronics in the evening.”

(2) “Keep your days bright and your nights dark.”

For years we have been taught the benefits of “early to bed and early to rise,” and now we have a large and current study whose findings indicate the same along with the timing that we should stick to for going to bed. So, folks, it's time to change your sleep pattern if you are a night owl!