Dr. Kruger goes on to outline three key signs that a person may benefit from the support of a mental health professional. “Significant distress [and] decreased level of functioning,” Dr. Kruger says is the first sign. “If being a night owl is contributing to negative impacts on significant things in your daily life, it would be beneficial to seek help either from a sleep specialist and/or therapist,” she tells us exclusively. “Negative impacts could include: chronic fatigue, difficulty staying awake during the day, conflict in relationships, not meeting social obligations, or poor job performance.”
Individuals should also note any negative effects they’re experiencing in regards to their physical health. “Those who are night owls are more at risk for developing obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues,” Dr. Kruger explains. “Seeking professional help from a therapist can help identify underlying reasons as to why a person stays up at night.”
The third sign to watch out for, she says, is difficulty taking action. “When a person is motivated to make this change and knows all the things that can help them but just isn’t able to execute them, a professional can offer guidance and support to identify barriers to making change and to help you establish healthier sleep habits,” Dr. Kruger states.