Late Nights, Higher Heart Risks: What You Need to Know
People who stay up late might be putting their hearts at risk. A recent study shows that night owls, especially those in middle age and older, have worse heart health. This is likely because they make choices that aren't good for their hearts, like eating poorly, smoking, and not getting enough sleep.
Study Findings
The study looked at over 300,000 people. It found that night owls were almost 80% more likely to have poor heart health compared to people who go to bed at average times. Over about 14 years, these night owls had a 16% higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
On the other hand, early birds, or people who go to bed early, had a 5% lower risk of poor heart health. The study also found that being a night owl affects women's heart health more than men's.
Lifestyle Choices Matter
About 75% of the increased risk for night owls comes from their lifestyle choices. This means that night owls aren't doomed to poor heart health. They can make changes to improve it.
Tips for Night Owls
Experts say that night owls face challenges that make it harder for them to stay healthy. But they can still take steps to protect their hearts. This includes:
- Eating well
- Not smoking
- Getting enough sleep
The good news is that night owls can improve their heart health by changing their habits. They aren't stuck with a higher risk. They can take control and make better choices for their hearts.