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How To Stay Healthy If You’re A Night Owl

How To Stay Healthy If You're A Night Owl
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Want proof that we live in an early bird world?  Just look up synonyms for NIGHT OWL and don’t laugh too loud when you see words like “corrupt” and “depraved.” 

Of course, you can also scroll through numerous studies that say people who hit the hay early and rise with the sun are happier, healthier, and less likely to be substance abusers than those who stay you late.  So, what are you to do if you like to burn the midnight oil?

It’s in your genes

You’re a night owl if you don’t get tired until after 1:30 or 2:00 in the morning and you want to sleep until 10:00 A.M., according to clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Michael Breus.

If that is truly who you are embrace it and don’t beat yourself up!  Dr. Breus says it could be in your genes.  Scientists have discovered a genetic variant that accounts for the differences between morning people and night owls.  The variation may influence your tendency to rise earlier or later by as much as an hour.

Tweak your routine

Instead of fighting it, play to your strengths.  Look for jobs that start later in the day, ask your boss about flex time, and work out schedules and responsibilities with your spouse if you have if you have different sleep schedules.

Sleep Deprivation is the enemy

Night owls tend to get less sleep because the world is typically built for early risers, says Clinical Psychologist Larisa Wainer, Psy.D. She says that sleep deficit can lead to health problems like anxiety and depression, weight gain and increased stress. 

Protect your sleep

Just because you go to bed late doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to a healthy 8 hours of shuteye. To make sure you get your sleep, Wainer says to follow these steps:

Stick to a regular schedule

Avoid Caffeine, Nicotine, alcohol, and overeating late at night. Shut down your tv and computers an hour before sleeping and keep your bedroom cool and dark while yu are sleeping and even after the sun comes up. If you don’t get enough sleep at night then take naps when you can.

Oh, and just so you know, the news isn’t all bad for late-nighters.  There are a few studies that claim people who stay awake late and snooze until noon are smarter and perform better on cognitive tests taken later in the day. 

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