Chronotype, gender and general health

Area of Science:

• Chronobiology
• Public Health
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Societal shift towards eveningness (E) driven by technology use.
• Circadian preference (chronotype) is influenced by gender and societal trends.
• Investigating chronotype-gender relationships and health impacts is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on chronotype-gender relationships.
• To identify health disturbances associated with eveningness.
• To explore impacts on daily life, including academic performance.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search using MEDLINE and Web of Science.
• Utilized Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and specific keywords.
• Results categorized into health, psychological, sleep, and academic areas.

Main Results:

• Eveningness correlates with unhealthy habits, cardiovascular issues (diabetes, metabolic syndrome), and substance use.
• Associated with psychological issues like depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors, especially in women.
• Linked to later sleep times, poor sleep quality, lower academic achievement, and reduced quality of life, particularly in younger individuals and women.

Conclusions:

• Eveningness negatively affects physical and mental health, sleep, and academic outcomes, especially in women and adolescents.
• Family support and parental education on limiting nighttime technology use are essential for children's circadian health.
• Understanding chronotype-gender dynamics is key to mitigating negative health consequences.