Heart health risks for night owls
Night owls, those who naturally prefer staying up late, may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reports BritPanorama.
Research indicates that middle-aged and older adults, especially women, who are more active during the evening have poorer heart health compared to those without a distinct morning or evening preference. The study analyzed data from over 322,000 participants in the UK Biobank, spanning England, Scotland, and Wales.
Participants identified their sleeping preferences, categorizing themselves as morning, intermediate, or evening types. The findings suggest that individuals with an evening chronotype, which aligns with their internal biological clocks, might experience misalignment with external schedules, resulting in health risks.
Prior studies often focused on singular risk factors like smoking or hypertension. However, this research utilized the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, assessing factors that improve cardiovascular health, including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and sleep quality.
Dr. Sina Kianersi, the study’s lead author, noted that a notable association exists between being a night owl and experiencing poor overall cardiovascular health. It was highlighted that night owls often engage in unhealthy habits—such as poor diet and low physical activity—further increasing health risks, particularly among women.
Compared to intermediate types, evening individuals were found to be 79% more likely to have poor cardiovascular health, along with a heightened risk of heart attacks or strokes during the follow-up period. The study also revealed that daily routines, including irregularity in sleep and meal timing, contribute significantly to these risks, as stated by Dr. Sabra Abbott, an associate professor at Northwestern University.
The research indicated that night owls have a 16% increased risk of developing cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to intermediate chronotypes over nearly 14 years. In contrast, early birds demonstrated a 5% decrease in the likelihood of having cardiovascular problems relative to their intermediate counterparts.
Despite the findings, Kianersi advised that further research is necessary to explore similar patterns in younger populations. He cautioned that the observational nature of the study does not confirm causation between chronotype and cardiovascular health.
Next steps for night owls
Evening types can adopt beneficial practices to mitigate risks, according to Dr. Kristen Knutson from the Feinberg School of Medicine. She emphasized that cardiovascular disease is not inevitable for night owls, recommending prioritization of sleep and smoking cessation.
The study proposes that addressing modifiable risk factors—such as improving sleep quality and implementing a healthier lifestyle—could effectively reduce the health risks associated with being a night owl.
Building on these findings, Abbott advises that rather than attempting to alter one’s natural chronotype, individuals should focus on controllable factors to enhance their heart health.
Kianersi encourages individuals to maintain consistent sleep-wake times, seek morning light exposure, engage in regular exercise, and keep track of health metrics like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. He concluded with a strong message: quitting smoking plays a crucial role in safeguarding long-term heart health.
