The myth is over: getting up early is bad for your health, study says

Getting out of bed to the crowing of roosters may not be the best thing for your health.

Are you one of those who find it hard to get up early? Well, you're in luck. If recently a study had come to light stating that intelligent people prefer to live at night and find it hard to sleep, now a new research indicates that early risers tend to suffer more health problems.

The data from this research disproves the myth that "the early bird catches the worm". According to this research, people who wake up early in the morning tend to suffer more stress and have higher levels of a hormone related to this phenomenon, cortisol. But not only that, they are are more likely to suffer from headaches, muscle aches, colds and have more bad moods..

From now on, and contrary to what your mother or your partner tells you, don't feel guilty if you fall asleep in the morning, because according to the group of scientists who carried out this study, you will be pampering your body.

Data from the study conducted by the University of Westminster (UK).

The study was conducted at the prestigious University of Westminster (UK) and involved 42 subjects. Saliva samples were taken every eight hours for two days. The first sample was taken just as they got out of bed.

Analysis of these samples determined that half of the people who woke up between 5:22am and 7:21am had higher cortisol levels than the individuals who woke up later in the day. than individuals who woke up later. Not only that, but high levels of this stress-related hormone remained high throughout the day.

According to the data, the cause of this is not to be found in the hours slept, but in having gotten up before 7:21am, but the researchers. It does not it does not seem that getting up early is not at all good for our bodies..

10-week follow-up

In the 10-week follow-up, the team of researchers, led by Angela Clow, found that early risers reported higher levels of muscle pain, cold symptoms and headaches, as well as moodiness. In Clow's own words, "This work is interesting because it provides data on the physiological basis for the differences between early risers and late risers."

The researcher added: "Until now, waking up early has been associated with greater concentration, and greater activity, but also with experiencing more problems throughout the day, as well as higher levels of anger and less energy at the end of the day. On the other hand, late risers are associated with slower and less busy behavior."

The influence of cortisol on stress

Scientists say that cortisol, a hormone that is synthesized and released into the Blood from the adrenal glands, may be responsible for these differences in temperament and is known to influence mood and concentration. Cortisol helps the body cope with stressful situations by releasing stored energy and preparing the muscles for action. and preparing the muscles for action. It also inhibits the body from feeling pain and reduces inflammation.

Professor Neil Douglas, director of the National Sleep Centre in Scotland, warns that there are many factors that influence high cortisol levels in the body, including age and obesity.

Tips to reduce stress

Stress is one of the psychological phenomena that affects most people.and has in fact been dubbed the epidemic of the 21st century. Few are surprised by this, as the lifestyle of Western societies contributes to the development of this phenomenon.

If you are currently going through a stressful period, there are a number of habits or behaviors that you can carry out to reduce the symptomatology. So follow these tips:

Manage your time effectively

Don't be a perfectionist
Practice Yoga
Be positive
Eat and drink healthy
Use humor and laughter
Practice Mindfulness
Sleep better
Practice physical exercise
Harness the power of music

(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)