Srilanka, Nov. 8 -- A new study from Stanford University reveals that going to bed late may increase the risk of depression and anxiety, regardless of whether someone identifies as a "night owl" or "early bird." Researchers analyzed sleep patterns of over 70,000 adults, comparing participants' preferred sleep schedules (chronotypes) with their actual sleep timing.

Lead researcher Dr. Jamie Zeitzer explained that staying up late-especially during the "biological night"-can impair brain function, reduce social support, and amplify stress, making individuals more vulnerable to poor mental health. Surprisingly, the study found that late sleep timing itself, not a mismatch with chronotype, was linked to higher risks of depression and anxiety....