Early Risers vs Night Owls: Which is Healthier?
Being a part of a morning show I’d be what is called an “early riser.” Therefore, when I’m heading off to bed at about 9 or 9:30 I say goodnight to the night owls in our house. Now, because of the the just-published findings of scientists at the University of Pittsburgh I should be trying to convince the rest of my family to go to sleep when I do.
If you’re one who stays up late burning the midnight oil and then clawing for the snooze bar each morning, consider the findings in this new study.
They say that those early birds who remain active during the day tend to be happier and sharper cognitively in their old age compared to everybody else.
The scientists tracked the activity of more than 1,800 people and found that those who got moving sooner in the day, and stayed that way, saw greater benefits both physically and mentally as they got older.
The leader of the study, Dr. Stephen Smagula was surprised at how well rising early helped their physical and mental well-being.
“Many older adults had robust patterns: They get up before 7 a.m. on average and they keep going; they stay active for 15 hours or so each day,” Smagula added that many in the study kept the same routines.
He also concluded “those same adults were happier, less depressed and had better cognitive function than other participants.”
The others had inconsistent sleeping and waking times, and didn’t follow a steady routine.
They’re not talking about running a marathon, just simply getting up and out, seeing friends and going to a store every day would be enough.
The researchers say one key improvement you can make is to try to keep the same waking schedule every day, no matter how tired you feel when you start the day.
So, in the Early Risers vs Night Owls health game it looks like the “up and at ’ems” have it. I recommend skipping the snooze bar and getting your butt out of the house!
10 New Jersey Universities Among Best in the Country
97. New Jersey Institute of Technology
MAHWAH, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 12: General view of New Jersey Institute of Technology during the FC Internazionale women training session at New Jersey Institute of Technology on August 12, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Pistoia – Inter/Inter via Getty Images)
55. Rutgers - New Brunswick
PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 10: Rutgers Scarlet Knights dance team members perform during the game against the Wagner Seahawks on September 10, 2022 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
194. (tie) Rowan University
GLASSBORO, NJ – MAY 06: Corey Clement, Running Back for the Philadelphia Eagles, deliveries the Commencement Address at Wackar Stadium, Rowan University during the 2018 Graduation Ceremony May 6, 2018 in Glassboro, New Jersey. (Photo by Bill McCay/Getty Images)
137. Seton Hall University
NEW YORK CITY, NY – MARCH 28: Seton Hall mascot after the WNIT Elite Eight basketball game between the Seton Hall Pirates and Columbia Lions on March 28, 2022 at Columbia University in New York, NY (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
115. Rutgers-Newark
PISCATAWAY, NJ – SEPTEMBER 10: Detail of a Rutgers Scarlet Knights helmet sits on the field before a college football game against the Wagner Seahawks at SHI Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
182. Montclair State University
30 MAY 2000: Senior Marc Houser (2) of Montclair State University dives onto the pile after a victory against the University of St. Thomas during the Division III Men’s Baseball Championship held at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, WI. Montclair State defeated the University of St. Thomas in consecutive games 13-3 and 6-2 to win the double elimination national championship title. Allen Fredrickson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
1. Princeton
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES – 2015/08/01: Nassau Hall ivy, Princeton University Campus. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images)
83. (tie) Stevens Institute of Technology
Jersey , United States – 8 June 2017; A general view of the Stevens Ducks pitch ahead of squad training at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
127. Rutgers-Camden
EAST HARTFORD, CT – MAY 28: A Rutgers Scarlet Knights fan waves a Rutgers flag following the NCAA Division I Mens Lacrosse Semifinals game between the Cornell Big Red and Rutgers Scarlet Knights on May 28, 2022, at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Big Red defeated the Scarlet Knights 17-10. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
182. Stockton University
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – JUNE 29: Stockton University’s new campus and dorm buildings are constructed along the boardwalk on June 29, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In addition to this, two new casinos opened this week in the seaside resort, as residents seek an economic upswing. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis/Getty Images)
