‘Night owls face higher risk of clogged arteries’

A recent study suggests that night owls may be nearly twice as likely to develop hardened arteries compared to their early bird counterparts.

Hardened arteries, a condition characterised by the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels, pose an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes, especially in older individuals with high blood pressure and cholesterol.

The research focused on 771 participants aged 50 to 64, aiming to explore whether night owls, individuals who typically wake up and go to bed later and are more active in the afternoon and evening, exhibit a higher prevalence of hardened arteries.

The findings revealed that those identifying as definite night owls had a staggering 90% higher likelihood of having hardened arteries compared to definite early birds. Approximately 17% of participants identified as definite night owls, with this category excluding those who described themselves as night owls ‘to some degree.’

The study suggests that the mismatch between being a night owl and the natural circadian rhythm, which dictates activity during daylight hours, may contribute to health issues.

This misalignment has previously been linked to high blood pressure and inflammation, both factors that can contribute to arterial damage and hardening.

While the study highlights the potential cardiovascular risks associated with being a night owl, researchers acknowledge that night owls often adopt less healthy lifestyles, including poor dietary habits, which could independently elevate their risk of developing hardened arteries.

Mio Kobayashi Frisk, the study’s lead researcher from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, advises night owls to be aware of the potential link with hardened arteries.

She suggests considering healthier lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in regular exercise to mitigate potential risks.

Examining participants’ risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next decade, accounting for factors like age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking status, the study found that definite night owls with a high risk of cardiovascular disease were 15 times more likely to have hardened arteries compared to those with low risk.