Early risers 35% less likely to develop depression, study finds

Morning people have few problems springing out of bed bright and early to face the day.

Now it has emerged they are less likely to suffer from depression and are generally happier too, the Daily Mail reports, citing recently published research.

The study found that morning “larks” are up to 35 per cent less likely to suffer from depressive symptoms, based on their genes.

These people, who are more likely to be older and female, also have better wellbeing.

The silver lining for night owls is their “late riser” genes may also make them more intelligent, perhaps because they spend more time reading when they are up late.

Scientists have discovered 327 new genetic regions which determine whether people are “larks” who get up early in the morning or ‘owls’ with later bedtimes who naturally lie in for longer.

Professor Mike Weedon, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “The large number of people in our study means we have provided the strongest evidence to date that “night owls” are at higher risk of mental health problems, such as schizophrenia and lower mental wellbeing, although further studies are needed to fully understand this link.’

Dr Sam Jones, of the University of Exeter, said: “The link with depression could be explained by the fact that night owls are forced by their jobs and everyday life to get up early.

“Constantly having to fight against your natural body clock could have negative effects on your mental health.”

Experts believe around 15 per cent of people are night owls, another 15 per cent are larks and the rest of us are morning or evening types to a lesser degree.