Research from Washington reveals that being a night owl might harm your heart. A large study shows that people who stay up late have worse heart health compared to those who sleep earlier.
Sina Kianersi from Brigham and Women’s Hospital led the study, emphasising the mismatch between natural sleep patterns and typical daily schedules as a challenge for maintaining heart-healthy habits. This issue can be addressed, says Kianersi, who admits he functions better at night.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. The American Heart Association outlines eight key factors for good heart health: physical activity, avoiding tobacco, adequate sleep, healthy diet, and controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight.
The circadian rhythm, or body clock, governs our sleep, alertness, and organ function. Night owls often face more health issues, including higher smoking rates and less exercise, according to previous research.
Kianersi’s team studied over 300,000 adults in the UK Biobank, finding 8% identified as night owls. Over 14 years, night owls had a 16% higher risk of heart attack or stroke. Women night owls showed worse cardiovascular health in line with heart health guidelines.
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor sleep, and diet are the main reasons. Night owls may struggle with early work hours and find it challenging to follow a morning routine, affecting more than just sleep.
Kianersi advises focusing on simple, healthy habits like quitting smoking. A consistent bedtime can help improve heart health for everyone.
Vocabulary List:
- Cardiovascular /ˌkɑːr.di.oʊˈvæs.kjʊ.lər/ (adjective): Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
- Circadian /sɜrˈkeɪ.di.ən/ (adjective): Relating to the natural cycle of physical mental and behavioral changes in a 24-hour cycle.
- Habit /ˈhæb.ɪt/ (noun): A regular practice or routine.
- Emphasising /ˈɛm.fə.saɪ.zɪŋ/ (verb): To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
- Mismatched /ˈmɪsˌmætʃt/ (adjective): Not suited to each other; incompatible.
- Guidelines /ˈɡaɪd.laɪnz/ (noun): A set of recommendations or instructions to follow.
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