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Staying up late could be particularly risky for your heart,especially if you’re a woman,according to new research. Adults who identify as “evening people” where nearly 80 percent more likely to develop signs of poor cardiovascular health over 14 years compared to those with more typical sleep-wake schedules.
Heart Health and the Night Owl Lifestyle
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A new study links late bedtimes to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, with women appearing more vulnerable.
- People who consistently go to bed late are at higher risk for poor heart health.
- The connection between being a “night owl” and heart problems is stronger in women.
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, even if it’s late, can improve heart health.
- Sleep is a crucial, modifiable factor in cardiovascular health.
“Sleep is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. It’s not as strong as smoking but it’s far from trivial,” says Matthew J.Sousa, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, who was not involved in the research.
‘Evening People’ Face Increased Heart Risks
The study,which analyzed data from over 300,000 adults in the United Kingdom with an average age of 57,categorized participants based on their sleep preferences. Eight percent identified as “definitely evening people,” 24 percent as “definitely morning people,” and 67 percent as “intermediate.”
researchers used the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8-a set of metrics encompassing diet, exercise, sleep, weight, smoking, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure-to assess heart health. The findings revealed:
- Evening people were 79 percent more likely to have a poor overall heart health score over the 14 years.
- Women who identified as evening people had a 64 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to morning people.
- Men who identified as evening people had a 34 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to morning people.
“These findings suggest that the association between being an evening person and cardiovascular disease is stronger in women than in men,” says Dr. Kianersi, lead author of the study.
Kianersi also notes that individuals who prefer late bedtimes may be more likely to engage in other unhealthy behaviors, such as nicotine use and insufficient sleep.
It’s important to consider that the UK Biobank population is generally healthier than the broader population, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the study relied on self-reported data, which can introduce potential inaccuracies.
Improving Sleep for a Healthier Heart
The study suggests that even night owls can take steps to improve their heart health by adjusting their sleep patterns.
“For people who lean later, the goal is not necessarily to become an early bird, but to build a schedule that is lasting and consistent, and to support it with healthy routines during waking hours,” says Dr. Kianersi.
To improve sleep hygiene, Dr.Sousa recommends:
