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Study Ties Evening Chronotype to Poorer Heart Health and Higher Cardiovascular Risk

Researchers say lifestyle habits, not late hours alone, account for most of the added risk.

Wide shot of African female using laptop in hotel room at night
FILE - A person looks out of a window in an apartment building in Kansas City, Mo., May 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Overview

  • An analysis of more than 322,000 UK Biobank participants found self-identified night owls were 79% more likely to have poor Life’s Essential 8 heart-health scores than intermediate types.
  • Over a median follow-up of about 14 years, evening chronotypes had a 16% higher risk of heart attack or stroke, while morning types had a 5% lower prevalence of poor overall scores.
  • Much of the excess risk among night owls was tied to modifiable factors, with nicotine use explaining about 34%, shorter sleep 14%, high blood sugar 12%, and body weight and diet roughly 11% each.
  • The association between evening preference and poorer cardiovascular profiles was stronger in women, according to the Journal of the American Heart Association report.
  • The study is observational and based on self-reported chronotype in a predominantly White cohort, and experts emphasize targeting smoking cessation, consistent adequate sleep, healthy diet, and regular activity.