Night owls at higher risk: What happens to your heart when you go to bed late

People who are naturally prone to going to bed late and consider themselves "night owls" more often have poorer heart health indicators compared to those who function with a normal, morning rhythm, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Night owls at higher risk: What happens to your heart when you go to bed late

TL;DR

  • Night owls have a significantly higher risk of poor heart health compared to those with moderate sleep patterns.
  • Evening types were 79% more likely to receive a poor health score and had a 16% higher risk of heart or stroke over 14 years.
  • The increased risk is often linked to lifestyle factors like poor sleep quality, late meals, and unhealthy habits associated with a nocturnal schedule.
  • Conflicting internal biological clocks and societal daily rhythms can negatively impact health.
  • Changing routines, including consistent sleep, better diet, and regular exercise, can mitigate these risks for everyone.