The age-old saying "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a person healthy, wealthy, and wise" has gained support from scientific research. A recent study reveals that waking up early can have significant mental health benefits, particularly by reducing anxiety levels. Often labelled as “boring” or "rigid," early risers may actually be benefiting from a morning routine that helps them manage stress better, contributing to a healthier life.
Research shows that sleep patterns, known scientifically as "chronotypes," play a critical role in mental health. Chronotypes determine whether a person is naturally inclined to wake up early or late. Recent findings, including those published in JAMA Psychiatry, indicate that people who wake up early, or “morning people,” tend to have a lower risk of developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
According to the study, people who stick to an early sleep-wake cycle experience improved mental well-being due to increased exposure to morning light, which regulates mood and energy levels throughout the day. The researchers found that early risers, as opposed to night owls, experience fewer mental health issues overall. Dr Iyas Daghlas, one of the study’s co-authors, explained that waking up earlier allows people to “sync” with the natural light-dark cycle, which has a stabilizing effect on the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm.
This alignment is crucial for maintaining balanced hormone levels, which directly.