Night owls, those who prefer staying up late and waking up later, may face an increased risk of early death due to unhealthy habits they develop during their late-night hours, according to a recent study. The research, published in the journal Chronobiology International, followed nearly 24,000 twins from 1981 to 2018 to investigate the causes of health-related behaviors and diseases.
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The study revealed that individuals identifying as night owls had a higher risk of mortality compared to morning types, commonly referred to as early birds. The increased risk was primarily attributed to greater consumption of tobacco and alcohol among night owls. The researchers adjusted the data to account for factors such as educational level, alcohol use, smoking, body mass, and sleep duration.
While approximately 10% of the twins identified themselves as definite evening people and 33% as somewhat inclined to stay up late, over 29% were clearly morning people, and 27.7% described themselves as somewhat inclined towards mornings.
Dr. Bhanu Prakash Kolla, a sleep medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic, noted that evening types have long been associated with heavier alcohol consumption and substance use disorders. However, the study’s findings indicated a significant 9% increased risk of early death for night owls, leaving room for other potential factors contributing to this higher mortality risk.
One possible explanation is that evening types often have to wake up early for work or school, resulting in insufficient sleep and increased sleep deprivation, which can contribute to health risks.
Sleep chronotypes, such as being an early bird or night owl, are determined by an individual’s circadian rhythm—a 24-hour internal body clock that regulates sleep patterns. While early birds tend to perform better in school and are more active during the day, night owls experience peak activity and alertness later in the afternoon and evening, with sluggish mornings.
Previous research has shown that night owls may be at a higher risk of chronic diseases. They tend to be more sedentary, have lower aerobic fitness levels, and exhibit higher insulin resistance. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors, skip breakfast, and have higher levels of visceral body fat.
Although it may not be possible to completely alter one’s sleep chronotype, there are strategies individuals can employ to modify their preferences. Exposing oneself to bright light in the morning can help reset the circadian clock, while reducing exposure to bright lights at night aids in the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Additionally, adopting healthier habits such as eating earlier in the evening and engaging in exercise during the morning or early afternoon can contribute to better overall health.
While the study highlights the potential health risks associated with being a night owl, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.
