Health

Night Owls More Prone to Mental Health Issues, Study Finds

Published: 1 September 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

A study of 2,266 working-age adults in Finland found that people who identify as night owls experience more mental health problems and have greater difficulty recovering from work than early birds. Researchers found that evening types were more likely to report anxiety and depression symptoms, poorer work-life balance and slower recovery after work. The effects were particularly strong among extreme evening types.

Key Takeaways

The study suggests that poor recovery from work and difficulties separating work from personal life may partly explain why night owls face a higher risk of anxiety and other mental health challenges, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and recovery strategies.

Sources

Medical News, Medicalxpress