New research indicates that individuals who identify as “night owls” may face increased risks of heart attack and stroke due to circadian misalignment affecting their cardiovascular health.
Recent findings published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveal that adults who consider themselves “evening people” tend to have poorer cardiovascular health and a higher risk of heart-related issues. The study examined the relationship between a person’s chronotype—whether they are naturally inclined to be active in the morning or evening—and their overall heart health.
The research analyzed 14 years of data from the UK Biobank, involving approximately 300,000 adults with an average age of 57. According to the study, around 8% of participants identified as “definitely evening people,” meaning they typically stayed up very late. In contrast, 24% classified themselves as “definitely morning people,” who tended to rise and retire early. The remaining 67% fell into an “intermediate” category, expressing uncertainty about their chronotype.
Heart health was assessed using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 score, which evaluates various factors including activity levels, diet, blood pressure, cholesterol, nicotine use, sleep patterns, weight management, and blood sugar levels. Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, explained the significance of this comprehensive assessment.
The researchers also tracked the incidence of heart attacks and strokes during the follow-up period. They found that individuals who were more active in the evening exhibited a 79% higher risk of poor cardiovascular health compared to those in the intermediate group. Additionally, they faced a 16% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Conversely, those who identified as morning people had slightly better heart health scores, with the effects being more pronounced in women than in men.
Lead study author Sina Kianersi, Ph.D., a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, noted that “evening people” often experience circadian misalignment. This misalignment occurs when their internal body clock does not synchronize with the natural light-dark cycle or their daily routines. Kianersi pointed out that evening people may engage in behaviors detrimental to cardiovascular health, such as poor diet, smoking, and irregular sleep patterns.
Dr. Serwer, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the role of lifestyle habits in these findings. “Cardiovascular disease has multiple contributing causes,” he stated. “Sleep is just one variable—and the importance of high-quality, restorative sleep should not be undervalued.” The implications of these findings could guide healthcare providers in developing tailored lifestyle and medical interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular events.
However, the study does have limitations. It does not establish a causal relationship between staying up late and heart problems but rather indicates an association. Additionally, the research relied on self-reported data regarding schedules, habits, and health, which may introduce bias. The UK Biobank participants are primarily White and generally healthier than the average population, suggesting that the results may not be broadly applicable.
Dr. Serwer added that while quality sleep is crucial, further research is necessary to determine the specific impact of sleep on cardiovascular health.
These findings highlight the importance of understanding how sleep patterns can influence heart health and underscore the need for continued investigation into the relationship between lifestyle choices and cardiovascular outcomes, according to Fox News Digital.