Key facts
- Night owls have a 16% higher risk of heart attack or stroke compared to the average population.
- The increased risk is attributed to a mismatch between internal circadian rhythms and typical daily schedules.
- Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor diet are key contributors to the higher risk.
- Cardiovascular health is worse among night owls based on factors like physical activity, sleep, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight.
Being a night owl is associated with poorer heart health, according to a large study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers tracked over 300,000 middle-aged and older adults for 14 years and found that individuals who are more active late at night had a 16% higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke compared to those with average sleep patterns.
The study suggests that the primary driver of this increased risk is the mismatch between a night owl's internal biological clock (circadian rhythm) and the typical daily schedules of society. This misalignment can make it harder to adhere to heart-healthy behaviors, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough physical activity.
Night owls were found to be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor dietary choices. Experts note that societal structures, often designed around morning people, can exacerbate these challenges. For instance, a night owl might struggle to metabolize an early morning high-calorie meal effectively, as their body's natural rhythm is still in a sleep-wake cycle. Finding healthy food options late at night can also be difficult.
Despite these challenges, researchers emphasize that being a night owl does not mean one is 'doomed.' Adopting consistent sleep and wake times, even if not perfectly aligned with societal norms, can be beneficial. Quitting smoking is highlighted as a crucial step for night owls and everyone else to protect cardiovascular health. The advice is to focus on fundamental healthy habits rather than striving for unattainable perfection.