Early to bed, early to rise, while the old saying promises health, wealth and wisdom, new research confirms part of the adage holds true, as a world first study shows that people who go to bed early are more likely to be in better health and more physically active compared to night owls.

Conducted by the University of Leicester and the University of South Australia, the study assessed the bedtime preferences of people with Type Two Diabetes, identifying a connection between bedtimes and healthy, active lifestyles.

It found that night owls have an excessively sedentary lifestyle, characterised by low levels and low intensities of physical activity which puts their health at greater risk.

Lead researcher, Dr Joseph Henson from the University of Leicester, says understanding how people’s sleep time preferences can impact their level of physical activity, could help people with Type Two Diabetes better manage their health.

“There is a massive need for large-scale interventions to help people with diabetes initiate, maintain and achieve the benefits of an active lifestyle,” Joseph says. “For people who prefer to go to bed later and get up later, this is even more important, with our research showing that night owls exercise 56% less than their early bird counterparts.”

The University of South Australia’s Dr Alex Rowlands says the study provides a unique insight into behaviours of people with Type Two Diabetes. “The links between later sleep times and physical activity is clear: go to bed late and you’re less likely to be active,” Alex says. “For someone with diabetes, this is valuable information that could help get them back on a path to good health.”

Share the Dignity, a charity helping women and girls access sanitary items, needs volunteers to help collect, count and distribute items for their upcoming ‘It’s In The Bag’ 2020 Christmas appeal.

2020 has been tough. Challenging circumstances are pushing women and girls fleeing from domestic violence and homelessness, at risk of period poverty, into a more terrifying world. Tough economic conditions and the coronavirus pandemic mean the charity needs to rally closer together to make the appeal a success.

Share the Dignity’s Founder, Rochelle Courtney says, “Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our organisation. They volunteer their time to help women and girls dealing with period poverty in their local communities, and deliver products such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups to local charities. Together, they are leaving a positive mark on the lives of women. Without them, we simply couldn’t reach as many women as we do.”

Go to https://www.sharethedignity.org.au/get-involved/volunteer for more information on how you can help.