Night owls could be at a higher risk of depression, according to international researchers who say this could be explained by mindfulness, sleep quality and alcohol consumption. The team looked at data from a survey of 546 university students, which looked at self-reported information on students’ sleep patterns, mindfulness, tendency to overthink and dwell on things, alcohol use, and depression and anxiety levels. On average, night owls had poorer sleep quality, higher alcohol consumption, and acted with less mindfulness than early birds. While this kind of study can’t show cause and effect and might only be applicable to university students, the team says targeting mindfulness, sleep, and alcohol use could reduce depression risk in night owls, particularly young people.