Night owls score higher on brain tests than early birds, says study
A new study conducted at Imperial College London found that people who stay up late—night owls—did better on cognitive tests than early risers.
Involving over 26,000 adults, the research showed night owls scored higher in areas like memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
Even those in between did better than morning types.
Sleep sweet spot: 7 to 9 hours
The study also highlighted that getting seven to nine hours of sleep is best for your brain.
Both less and more sleep were linked with lower scores, showing there's a "just right" amount for peak performance.
Smarter nights come with health trade-offs
While night owls may have a mental edge, they're also at higher risk for metabolic and heart issues.
The takeaway? Matching your schedule to your natural rhythm and getting enough sleep can help you think sharper—and might keep you healthier in the long run.