People who naturally stay up late often referred to as “night owls” may face a higher risk of heart disease, according to new research, though experts say lifestyle changes can help reduce that risk.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, analyzed data from more than 322,000 participants in the UK Biobank, covering adults from England, Scotland and Wales.
Researchers examined “chronotypes” or a person’s natural preference for sleep and activity timing grouping individuals into morning, intermediate or evening types. The findings showed that those with an evening chronotype were significantly more likely to have poor cardiovascular health compared to others.
According to the study, night owls were about 79% more likely to have poor overall heart health and faced a higher risk of heart attack or stroke over time. They also had a 16% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease during nearly 14 years of follow-up.
The association was especially strong among women. In contrast, people who identified as early risers were slightly less likely to experience poor heart health.
Why timing matters
Experts say the increased risk may not come directly from staying up late but from habits often linked to it. Irregular sleep schedules, unhealthy eating patterns, lower physical activity and higher smoking rates are more common among night owls.
Disruptions between the body’s internal clock and daily routines such as work schedules may also play a role in increasing long-term health risks.
Despite the findings, researchers stress that being a night owl does not guarantee poor heart health. Instead, focusing on manageable lifestyle factors can significantly reduce risk.
Key recommendations include:
* Maintaining consistent sleep and wake times
* Getting enough high-quality sleep
* Exercising regularly
* Eating a balanced diet
* Avoiding smoking
* Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
Experts advise that night owls don’t need to completely change their natural rhythm but should aim to build healthier routines around it. Simple steps like getting morning light exposure and sticking to a regular schedule can help support heart health.
While more research is needed especially among younger populations the study highlights the importance of aligning daily habits with overall health goals.
Keywords:
night owls heart risk, chronotype study, cardiovascular health research, UK Biobank study, sleep patterns health, heart disease prevention, lifestyle and heart health, sleep and metabolism, women heart risk, circadian rhythm health
Asian Burg | Health Desk
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