The Association Between Mental Health Indices and the Chronotypes Measured by Single-Item Chronotyping in Young...

Background: Chronotype reflects individual variations in daily activity and sleep patterns, influenced by underlying circadian rhythms. While chronotype is often reduced to the morningness-eveningness spectrum, recent evidence suggests more diverse circadian typologies. Chronotype is linked to mental health, frequently associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression and suicide. This study aims to examine differences among six chronotypes (as defined by Single-Item Chronotyping) in mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, interpersonal relations, general functioning, suicidal behavior, and suicide acceptance. Methods: The study sample consisted of 306 young adults. Chronotype was determined using the Polish version of Single-Item Chronotyping (SIC). Mental health was assessed with the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), which evaluates three dimensions: depression and anxiety, interpersonal relations, and general functioning. The Suicide Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-R) measured past and potential future suicidal tendencies, while the Suicide Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ) assessed attitudes toward the act of suicide. Results: The "daytime sleepy" and "moderately active" chronotypes were identified as at higher risk for mental health issues. These types exhibited greater levels of depression and anxiety, more general dysfunction, and a higher risk of suicidal behavior. The "daytime sleepy" type also experienced more interpersonal relationship difficulties compared to the "daytime active" type. Conclusions: Recognizing the "daytime sleepy" and "moderately active" types as risk factors highlights the importance of considering chronotype in mental health assessments. The SIC provides a concise method for monitoring circadian rhythm changes during treatment, facilitating tailored interventions such as modifying treatment schedules or lifestyle adjustments in alignment with an individual's circadian rhythm.