Being a night owl can worsen your heart health – here’s what to do about it
Night owls ‘at higher risk of heart attack or stroke’
- A new study suggests that individuals who are active late into the night, known as 'night owls', may have a heightened risk of poor cardiovascular health.
- Research led by Sina Kianersi found that night owls had a 16 per cent higher risk of experiencing a first heart attack or stroke over a 14-year period.
- This increased risk is primarily linked to a mismatch between their natural circadian rhythm and typical daily schedules, which can hinder the adoption of heart-healthy behaviours.
- Unhealthy habits, including smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor diet, are identified as key contributors to the poorer cardiovascular wellbeing observed in night owls.
- Experts advise that this issue is “fixable” by focusing on fundamental heart-healthy practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and quitting smoking.