Night Owls Face Higher Heart Disease Risk

A large study led by Sina Kianersi of Brigham and Women s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that middle-aged and older adults who are 'night owls' have poorer overall heart health and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 300,000 participants in the UK Biobank, indicated that night owls had a 16% higher risk of a first heart attack or stroke over 14 years compared to the average population. This elevated risk is largely attributed to modifiable lifestyle factors common among night owls, such as smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor diet. The association was particularly strong among women. Experts like Kristen Knutson of Northwestern University suggest that the mismatch between a night owl's internal clock and typical daily schedules makes it harder to maintain heart-healthy behaviors. The findings emphasize that while night owls are not inherently less healthy, they face challenges that necessitate a focus on healthy lifestyle choices to mitigate cardiovascular risks.