Night Owls Beware: Late Nights May Affect Brain Health Over Time June 17, 2025 If you’re someone who thrives after dark – staying up late, feeling more alert in the evening – you might consider yourself a classic night owl. But new research suggests this natural tendency could come with a hidden cost: faster cognitive decline over time.1 A large, long-term study from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has found that people with a night owl chronotype – meaning their internal body clock favours late nights and late mornings – may be more vulnerable to cognitive decline, especially when compared to early risers.2 The Brain Health Connection Cognitive decline refers to a gradual loss in functions like memory, problem-solving, and decision-making; all key parts of brain health. It’s also a known early indicator of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.3 In the study, researchers followed nearly 24,000 adults aged 40 and over for a decade, measuring their sleep habits and tracking their brain function over time.4 They found that those who identified as night owls experienced a sharper drop in cognitive performance compared to early birds.2 It’s Not Just About Sleep Timing While being a night owl in itself isn’t harmful, the behaviours often associated with late nights appear to be the problem.1 People who stay up late are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and skimp on quality sleep – all of which are known risk factors for poor brain health.4 The study estimated that around 25% of the cognitive decline seen in night owls could be explained by these habits.1 Interestingly, the effect was most noticeable in people with higher levels of education.4 This may be because many in this group have jobs that require early starts, meaning their schedules often clash with their natural rhythms – leading to chronic sleep deprivation and less restorative rest for the brain.2 Can You Change Your Chronotype? Not easily. Chronotype is largely influenced by genetics. Most of us shift from being morning people in childhood to night owls in our teens, then back again around middle age.1 But not everyone follows that pattern — and for true night owls, going to bed early often just doesn’t work. That said, while you might not be able to change when your body wants to sleep, you can make lifestyle adjustments to support better brain health.2 That means prioritising good sleep hygiene, limiting alcohol and tobacco, and ensuring you get enough exercise.2 Protecting Your Brain Starts Now With dementia on the rise in Australia and cognitive decline beginning as early as your 40s, maintaining your brain health is more important than ever.1,5 If you’re a night owl, the key takeaway isn’t panic – it’s prevention. Listen to your body, but support it with healthy habits. And if you’re noticing signs like forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, or brain fog, speak to your doctor. Your sleep habits today could shape your brain health tomorrow – so make them count. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. Citations Neuroscience News. “Night Owls Face Faster Cognitive Decline - Neuroscience News.” Neuroscience News, 31 May 2025, neurosciencenews.com/night-owls-cognition-29175/. Swartz, Tracy. “Night Owls Are More at Risk for Dementia — but Not for the Reasons You Might Think.” New York Post, 4 June 2025, nypost.com. Accessed 16 June 2025. National Institute on Aging. “What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?” National Institute on Aging, 2022, nia.nih.gov. Wenzler, A.N., et al. “Chronotype as a Potential Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline...” *The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease*, 11 Apr. 2025, sciencedirect.com. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. “Dementia in Australia, Prevalence of Dementia.” 2024, aihw.gov.au.
