Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Night Owls Face Higher Heart Risks
A big study found that people who stay up late, called night owls, might have a higher chance of heart problems.
This is because their body's internal clock doesn't match the usual daily schedule.
Night owls often have unhealthy habits like smoking, not sleeping enough, and eating poorly.
These habits can make their heart health worse.
The study looked at over 300,000 people and found that night owls had a 16% higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Experts say it's important for everyone, especially night owls, to focus on healthy habits like quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and eating well.
Even if you can't sleep a lot, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help.
Night owls have a 16% higher risk of a first heart attack or stroke compared to the average population.
The mismatch between night owls' internal clock and daily schedules leads to poorer heart health.
Unhealthy behaviors like smoking, insufficient sleep, and poor diet are main reasons for poorer cardiovascular health in night owls.
The study tracked over 300,000 middle-age and older adults in the UK Biobank over 14 years.
Experts recommend focusing on healthy habits like quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and eating well to protect heart health.
- Who
- Middle-age and older adults in the UK Biobank, including night owls and early-birds
- What
- A study found that night owls have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke and poorer cardiovascular health
- When
- The study was conducted over 14 years
- Where
- The study was conducted in the UK using data from the UK Biobank
- Why
- The mismatch between night owls' internal clock and typical daily schedules leads to unhealthy behaviors and poorer heart health
- Study Population
- Over 300,000 middle-age and older adults in the UK Biobank
- Night Owl Percentage
- 8%
- Early-Bird Percentage
- 25%
- Study Duration
- 14 years
- Increased Risk
- 16% higher risk of first heart attack or stroke
- Key Factors for Heart Health
- Physical activity, avoiding tobacco, adequate sleep, healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight
- Main Unhealthy Behaviors
- Smoking, insufficient sleep, poor diet
- Recommended Sleep
- At least seven hours