People who identify as “night owls” may face a higher risk of heart problems compared to those who are early risers, according to recent research. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, suggests that lifestyle factors associated with being a night owl play a significant role in this increased risk. Understanding these connections is crucial for promoting preventative cardiovascular health.
A team led by Sina Kianersi of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed data from over 322,000 adults in the UK Biobank, a health database established in 2006. Participants, aged between 39 and 74 at the start of the study, had no known pre-existing heart conditions. They were asked to self-identify their chronotype – their natural inclination toward being a morning or evening person.
Approximately 8 percent of participants categorized themselves as “late types,” describing difficulty waking up early, peak activity in the evening, and a tendency to travel to bed late. A quarter identified as “early types,” feeling most productive in the morning and preferring to sleep earlier. The remaining participants considered themselves to be of a mixed chronotype.
Researchers compared these self-assessments with the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8,” a framework evaluating key factors in heart health. These factors include diet, physical activity, sleep quality, smoking habits, as well as measurements of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight.
The study found that individuals identifying as night owls experienced heart attacks or strokes more frequently than early risers. For women specifically, a later chronotype was linked to a less favorable risk profile for heart health. This suggests a potential link between internal body clocks and cardiovascular wellbeing.
Experts note that the increased risk isn’t necessarily due to the chronotype itself, but rather the lifestyle choices often associated with it. Sleep disturbances, for example, are common among those who struggle to align their sleep schedule with conventional work hours.
The findings align with previous research highlighting the importance of consistent sleep patterns for cardiovascular health. According to research, insufficient sleep can elevate the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attack and heart failure. Conversely, excessive sleep has also been shown to be detrimental.
Modern lifestyle factors, such as shift work, constant connectivity, and exposure to artificial light, contribute to widespread sleep problems. These disruptions can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, potentially impacting heart health. The average sleep duration has decreased from approximately nine hours a night 100 years ago to around 7.5 hours today, further emphasizing the necessitate for prioritizing healthy sleep habits.
