Being a night owl may be the ultimate taboo. While it's understandable to crave the late-night energy, research suggests that this lifestyle could be putting your heart health at risk. According to a recent study published by the American Heart Association, those who consistently go to bed later and engage in more activities in the evening are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease.
The results of the study revealed a concerning trend: night owls had significantly higher rates of poor cardiovascular health compared to early risers. The difference was especially pronounced among women. In fact, night owls were 79% more likely to have subpar cardiovascular health scores.
So, what could be behind this correlation? Lifestyle factors such as smoking and poorer dieting habits are common among night owls, which can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. Moreover, staying up late may disrupt the body's natural rhythms or circadian cycles, further increasing the risk.
Lead study author Sina Kianersi notes that "evening people" often experience circadian misalignment, meaning their internal body clock doesn't align with the natural day-to-night light cycle or typical daily schedules. This is a crucial factor to consider, as it can have far-reaching effects on overall health.
Interestingly, the study found that night owls were also more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke over an extended period of 14 years compared to those in the intermediate category. On the other hand, early risers had lower prevalence of low heart health scores.
While this research doesn't paint night owls as inherently unhealthy individuals, it does highlight the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle habits β particularly for those who tend to defy traditional sleep patterns. As researcher Kristen Knutson notes, "evening types have options to improve their cardiovascular health... they face challenges that make it particularly important for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle."
The results of the study revealed a concerning trend: night owls had significantly higher rates of poor cardiovascular health compared to early risers. The difference was especially pronounced among women. In fact, night owls were 79% more likely to have subpar cardiovascular health scores.
So, what could be behind this correlation? Lifestyle factors such as smoking and poorer dieting habits are common among night owls, which can contribute to a higher risk of heart disease. Moreover, staying up late may disrupt the body's natural rhythms or circadian cycles, further increasing the risk.
Lead study author Sina Kianersi notes that "evening people" often experience circadian misalignment, meaning their internal body clock doesn't align with the natural day-to-night light cycle or typical daily schedules. This is a crucial factor to consider, as it can have far-reaching effects on overall health.
Interestingly, the study found that night owls were also more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke over an extended period of 14 years compared to those in the intermediate category. On the other hand, early risers had lower prevalence of low heart health scores.
While this research doesn't paint night owls as inherently unhealthy individuals, it does highlight the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle habits β particularly for those who tend to defy traditional sleep patterns. As researcher Kristen Knutson notes, "evening types have options to improve their cardiovascular health... they face challenges that make it particularly important for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle."