The brain starts working differently at night - study

Scientists have presented the 'midnight brain' hypothesis, according to which prolonged wakefulness during the biological night alters brain function: negative emotions intensify, self-control weakens, and the tendency to take risks increases. The study was published in Frontiers in Network Physiology.

Scientists have proposed the 'midnight brain' hypothesis, explaining how prolonged wakefulness during the biological night changes brain function. According to the study published in the journal Frontiers in Network Physiology, circadian rhythms and accumulated fatigue jointly influence cognitive processes during this time. Positive emotions are dulled, while negative ones are amplified, causing even neutral situations to be perceived more pessimistically. Self-control weakens, and the function of the prefrontal cortex, responsible for planning and risk assessment, deteriorates, increasing impulsivity and the tendency toward rash decisions, including cravings for unhealthy food, cigarettes, or alcohol. The authors emphasize that this is a hypothesis, not a final conclusion: it is currently difficult to separate the influence of circadian rhythms from the effects of sleep deprivation. The focus is on prolonged wakefulness, not brief nighttime awakenings. Further research is needed for confirmation.

The brain starts working differently at night - study