The study involved more than 2,200 Finnish residents. Participants were divided into three groups based on their chronotype: morning, evening, and intermediate. Researchers assessed symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the extent to which work carried over into free time and how people recovered from the workday. Medical Express reports on the findings.
The most pronounced mental health problems were found in people with an evening chronotype. For them, the association with anxiety disorders was linked to poor recovery after work and difficulties in maintaining a balance between work and other areas of life.
However, the evening chronotype alone did not explain all the differences. Night owls also had less healthy habits, but these did not explain the increased likelihood of mental health problems and difficulties with work-life balance.
"Therefore, measures to improve work-life balance and recovery after work can be targeted to those who need them most. This will also contribute to well-being at work," said study author Ilona Merikanto.
Previously, other studies have shown that night owls have a 79% higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 46% higher risk of diabetes.
