Health
Night Owls Face Higher Heart Risks, Study Finds
Health Points
- Regularly staying up late is linked to poorer heart health, especially for women.
- Night owls in a long-term study had higher odds of heart attack, stroke, and lower heart health scores.
- Simple, consistent changes to sleep habits can benefit cardiovascular well-being.
New research shows that adults who routinely delay bedtime have an increased likelihood of developing heart-related issues, particularly women.
Those who identified as night owls were significantly more prone to heart risks and poorer heart health over 14 years compared to people with earlier or intermediate sleep schedules.
“Sleep is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. It’s not as strong as smoking, but it’s far from trivial,” says Dr. Matthew J. Sousa, interventional cardiologist at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute.
The connection was even stronger for women, influenced by factors like underdiagnosed sleep disorders, stress, and biological differences.
Circadian rhythms, or the body’s internal clock, can be disrupted by shifting bedtimes, impacting blood pressure and overall heart function.
“Poor sleep has been known to correlate with worse heart outcomes, which is very consistent with existing physiology,” Sousa explains.
It’s important to remember that while this study highlights a strong association, it does not prove that late nights directly cause heart disease.
Night owls may also have higher rates of unhealthy habits, such as nicotine use and irregular sleep, which may contribute to these health risks.
For those looking to make positive changes, experts suggest keeping a consistent sleep schedule, enjoying plenty of daylight, and creating a restful environment.
“Improvements often come from small, consistent changes rather than perfect sleep,” Sousa encourages.
Take steps toward better rest and heart health by establishing a routine that works for your lifestyle.
