Night Owls at Higher Risk for Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease Than Early Birds

Are you a night owl? Well, you might want to rethink your sleep preferences! A new study published in the journal Speculative Physiology has found that staying up late and sleeping in may increase your risk for chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study categorizes people who stay up late as ‘night owls’ and reveals that their bodies are less efficient at burning fat for energy, leading to a faster accumulation of fat. On the other hand, early risers tend to use fat as an energy source more effectively and are generally more physically active throughout the day.

But what does this mean for you?

According to researchers, night owls may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That said, it’s important to note that staying up late doesn’t guarantee these health issues.

Lead study author, Steven Malin, PhD, an associate professor at Rutgers University, emphasized the importance of understanding your sleep preferences to make informed decisions about leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk of illness.

“We hope that these findings provide a physiological basis to understand why people may be at an increased risk of diseases,” Malin told Health. “This knowledge can empower individuals to engage in physical activity, maintain a balanced diet, avoid late-night eating, and aim to go to bed earlier to align with the next day’s tasks and feel their best.”

Previous research has shown that an individual’s natural sleep tendencies, or chronotype, can impact various aspects of their health, from an increased risk of heart disease to psychiatric conditions, and even risk of premature death.

But don’t worry, not everyone fits into the “night owl” category. Research suggests there are approximately 6 different chronotypes, with early morning larks and night owls being the most common. Early risers go to bed and wake up early, while night owls prefer to stay up late and sleep in.

According to Thomas Kilkenny, DO, the differences in chronotypes are due to the unique workings of everyone’s biological rhythm or body clock, which is regulated by light and darkness.

Every person’s body clock operates on a 24-hour cycle and is influenced by light exposure. When the sun rises, it signals the brain’s pineal gland to stop producing the sleep hormone melatonin, and when darkness falls, melatonin production is stimulated, leading to drowsiness.

Curious about where you fall on the chronotype spectrum? Find out more here and take steps to ensure your overall well-being!

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