New research suggests that chronotype-whether someone is a “morning person” or a “night owl”-may have a meaningful impact on cardiovascular health. A large-scale study analyzing data from over 300,000 adults in the UK Biobank found that individuals who consistently stay up late face a notably increased risk of heart attack and stroke [[1]]. The findings underscore the importance of considering sleep patterns as a modifiable risk factor in the ongoing effort to combat cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death worldwide [[2]].
Night Owls Face Higher Cardiovascular Risk, Study Finds
People who prefer to stay up late and go to bed after 2:00 a.m. may be at increased risk of heart problems and stroke, according to research published in The Journal of the American Heart Association. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 adults participating in the UK Biobank research project to understand how sleep patterns influence cardiovascular health.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally, making understanding modifiable risk factors like sleep schedule crucial for public health. Researchers found that approximately 8% of participants identified as “night owls,” characterized by late bedtimes and peak activity during the night.
In contrast, 24% of the study subjects considered themselves “morning people,” while 67% reported an intermediate circadian rhythm, meaning they didn’t strongly identify as either a night owl or a morning person.
Assessing Heart Health with ‘Life’s Essential 8’
Researchers utilized the American Heart Association’s ‘Life’s Essential 8’ parameters to assess cardiovascular health. These parameters encompass a range of habits and factors associated with a healthy heart.
The ‘Life’s Essential 8’ include diet, regular physical activity, good sleep quality, avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, managing cholesterol levels, and optimal blood sugar and blood pressure readings.
The analysis revealed that night owls had poorer cardiovascular health in 79% of cases and faced a 16% higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke compared to those with intermediate circadian rhythms.
The study also highlighted that the association between being a night owl and poorer cardiovascular health was more pronounced in women than in men. A significant portion of the increased heart disease risk among night owls was linked to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or insufficient sleep.
According to lead study author Sina Kianersi, a researcher at Harvard University, night owls often experience a misalignment between their internal biological clock and the natural light-dark cycle or typical daily schedules. “This circadian misalignment can disrupt important bodily functions,” Kianersi explained.
