Khaberni - Data analysis of more than 300,000 adults from the UK Biobank shows that staying up late and disrupted sleep patterns increase the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
The American Heart Association journal notes that the average age of participants was 57 years. About 8 percent were night owls, those who go to bed late and stay active until late at night, while early risers accounted for about 24 percent, preferring to sleep and wake up early. The remaining 67 percent did not have a defined sleep pattern.
Researchers assessed heart health using eight indicators adopted by the American Heart Association, including: diet, physical activity, smoking, sleep, body weight, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
It was found that night owls were 79 percent more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to those without a specific time preference. During a follow-up period of 14 years, their risk of myocardial infarction or stroke increased by 16 percent, and this relationship was more pronounced among women compared to men.
According to Dr. Seena Kianarsi, the lead researcher at Harvard Medical School, a large part of this increased risk is not associated with the time pattern itself, but with the accompanying lifestyle. Night owls tend to smoke at higher rates, experience sleep disorders, and are less likely to adhere to a regular schedule.
She added that night owls are more prone to disruption of the biological clock, where their internal clock starts to deviate from the natural cycle of night and day.
Experts confirm that most risk factors are modifiable, indicating that an evening time pattern does not necessarily mean a natural weakness but requires more attention to sleep quality, avoiding nicotine, and following a regular daily routine.
