Key facts
- Being a night owl is associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
- A study of over 300,000 adults found night owls had a 16% increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
- The increased risk is attributed to a mismatch between internal circadian rhythms and societal schedules, leading to unhealthy behaviors.
- Poor cardiovascular health in night owls was linked to smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor diet.
- Adopting heart-healthy behaviors and aligning with societal schedules can mitigate risks for night owls.
Being a night owl may significantly increase the risk of heart disease, 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 identified as night owls 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 societal schedule, which often favors early risers. This misalignment can make it harder for night owls to adopt heart-healthy behaviors, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough physical activity.
Night owls, particularly women, also exhibited poorer overall cardiovascular health when assessed against the American Heart Association's eight key factors. Unhealthy habits like smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor dietary choices were identified as major contributors to these negative health outcomes. Experts note that trying to adhere to a morning-centric world can negatively impact metabolism and food choices for those with a natural evening chronotype.
While the study could not observe the specific activities of night owls during late-night hours, researchers emphasized that focusing on fundamental heart-healthy practices, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a consistent sleep-wake routine, can help mitigate risks for everyone, including night owls.