A new study has shed light on the potential risks faced by night owls compared to early risers. The research, published in Chronobiology International, suggests that individuals who stay up late and wake up later may be more prone to unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, which can ultimately lead to a higher risk of death. The study, conducted over 37 years in Finland, followed nearly 23,000 twins to explore the impact of their natural sleep preferences, known as chronotypes, on overall health and mortality.

What is a Chronotype?

Chronotype refers to an individual’s natural inclination to sleep at a particular time of day, whether they are a morning person or a night owl. For years, scientists have been curious about how our body’s internal clock might impact long-term health. This recent study explored how being an evening person—someone who stays up late and wakes up late—affects life expectancy.

Credits: CNN

Study Methodology

The research, which tracked nearly 23,000 individuals for over three decades, asked participants to classify their chronotype into one of four categories: “clearly a morning person,” “to some extent a morning person,” “clearly an evening person,” and “to some extent an evening person.” Over the years, researchers monitored factors such as education level, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, BMI, and overall sleep duration to assess their effects on health.

Credits: Medium

The results were startling. Of the 23,000 participants, nearly 9,000 individuals died by 2018. Among them, night owls—those who strongly identified as evening types—had a 9% higher risk of dying compared to those who identified as early risers. However, researchers found that the increased risk of death wasn’t solely related to being a night owl, but rather to the lifestyle factors that often accompany late nights, such as smoking and drinking.

Why Night Owls Face Greater Health Risks

The research suggests that night owls tend to engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, more frequently than their morning counterparts. These habits have long been linked to health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory issues. In fact, the study found that evening types were more likely to consume alcohol and tobacco, both of which contributed to their increased mortality rate.

Credits: Health

In addition, night owls often fail to get the recommended amount of sleep. Studies have shown that insufficient sleep can lead to a range of serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and mental health problems. This lack of sleep was more prominent among those who identified as “definite” evening people, with many reporting that they did not consistently get at least eight hours of rest.

How Can Night Owls Improve Their Health?

While the research indicates a link between chronotype and unhealthy behaviors, it also suggests that the key to mitigating health risks is altering lifestyle habits. Night owls can reduce their risk of early death by focusing on improving their daily routines. Here are some tips for healthier living:

Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Cutting back on smoking and drinking is essential to lowering health risks and prolonging life.
Prioritize Sleep: Night owls should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to improve mental and physical well-being.
Adopt a Healthier Diet and Exercise Routine: Regular physical activity and balanced nutrition can help combat the negative effects of late nights.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress has been linked to several health issues, so finding ways to relax is crucial.

The Final Verdict

While chronotype may have some influence on health outcomes, lifestyle choices appear to play a more significant role in the risk of mortality. The study highlights the importance of creating a balanced routine, regardless of when you’re most active during the day. By prioritizing sleep, reducing harmful behaviors, and adopting a healthier lifestyle, night owls can potentially improve their longevity and overall health.

The findings also emphasize that we cannot blame our natural sleep preferences for poor health—it’s the associated habits that matter most. So, while staying up late might be fun, it’s essential to take steps to mitigate the risks that come with it.