Why Night Owls Don’t Live As Long As Morning People
Are you a night owl or an early bird? If you’re the former, you may want to become the latter. According to Science Alert, night owls tend to have shorter life spans than morning people. However, it doesn’t really have anything to do with the person’s bedtime.
Researchers in Finland analyzed data from more than 20-thousand people who took a survey in 1981 about their sleep habits. The study was published last week in the peer-reviewed journal Chronobiology International. They discovered the higher mortality risk in night owls was not because of lack of sleep but mainly tied to smoking and alcohol. In other words, it may have less to do with sleep and more to do with what happens when you’re awake.
Deaths from alcohol-related diseases and poisonings were seen more often in the evening type group. The study doesn’t explain why night owls were more likely to drink and smoke. Jennifer Martin, professor of medicine at UCLA and former president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, who was not involved in the study, suggests it may have something to do with what establishments are typically open late at night. I’d say that’s a pretty good guess. Bars are more often open at night than in the morning.
When Mel and I were on the air in the morning, I didn’t necessarily feel healthier than I do now, but I certainly didn’t go to bars during the week. As an afternoon host, I don’t do that much either. But if I did, I suppose that could take a few years off my life.
5 Foods That Can Help You Sleep Through The Night
Eggs
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Eggs are one of the best sources of melatonin among animal products. They’re also loaded with iron and protein, as well as other essential nutrients.
Fish
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Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in melatonin as well as vitamin B6, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin D – all of which promote healthy sleep. One study found that participants who ate salmon three times a week slept better and showed improved daytime functioning than those who didn’t.
Milk
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It turns out that the old school sleep remedy really works, thanks to the melatonin. Milk is one of the best dietary sources of it and it also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which increases concentrations of melatonin and helps you drift off to sleep easier.
Nuts
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According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, walnuts were found to have high amounts of melatonin. It’s also found in almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds and pistachios. Just go for the raw kind because the roasting process has been shown to negatively impact melatonin content.
Tart Cherry Juice
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This is new to me. Apparently, tart cherry juice is an effective sleep aid thanks to all the melatonin in the fruit. You can also just eat the tart cherries to get your melatonin without all the added sugar in the juice.
