A new study says that
going to bed late may be bad
for our health. It may even shorten our life. The study was carried out in the United Kingdom. Researchers spent six-and-a-half years looking
at the lifestyles of 430,000 adults between the ages of 38 and 73. At
the end of the study, the researchers compared the deaths of people who went to bed early to those who went to bed late. They found that night owls (people who go to bed late) were
10 percent more likely to die during the period of the study. The researchers concluded that night owls were at higher risk of an early death than early birds (people who slept early). Night owls
were also at a greater risk of poor
health compared to early birds.
The researchers said society and working patterns needed to change to reduce the risks of ill health for night owls. Researcher Malcolm van Schantz said: "This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored." He suggested that night owls should be allowed to start and finish work later in the day so they could sleep longer in the morning. The researchers said that night owls were more likely to suffer from mental problems, diabetes, and stomach and breathing troubles. They were also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and coffee, and take drugs. Researchers also said different sleeping patterns during the week and at weekends could increase the chances of health problems for night owls.
The researchers said society and working patterns needed to change to reduce the risks of ill health for night owls. Researcher Malcolm van Schantz said: "This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored." He suggested that night owls should be allowed to start and finish work later in the day so they could sleep longer in the morning. The researchers said that night owls were more likely to suffer from mental problems, diabetes, and stomach and breathing troubles. They were also more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and coffee, and take drugs. Researchers also said different sleeping patterns during the week and at weekends could increase the chances of health problems for night owls.
Sources:
abcnews.go.com / cbsnews.com / livescience.com
Discussion
Questions
(a) What is the best
time to go to bed?
(b) Why is it good to
go to bed early?
(c) Do you sleep at
different times during the week?
(d) How do you feel
when you wake up?
(e) How unhealthy is
going to bed late?
(f) Why do people
like going to bed late?
(g) Are you a night
owl or an early bird?
(h) Will you change
your sleeping pattern after reading this?
