A recent study published in Chronobiology International suggests that individuals who identify as night owls, staying up late, may face a higher risk of premature death. Analyzing data from 23,000 twins in Finland over 37 years, the study found that the term “chronotype,” referring to one’s natural preference for sleep timing, had minimal impact on mortality.
However, the study uncovered that individuals with an “evening” chronotype exhibited a slightly elevated risk of adopting unhealthy habits compared to their “morning” counterparts, contributing to a potential increase in mortality. The research highlighted that the higher use of alcohol and tobacco among night owls explained the associated higher fatality risk.
Over the observed period from 1981 to 2018, involving 22,976 participants aged 24, the study identified links between being an “evening” person, engaging in night shifts, sleep duration, sleep quality, and adverse health effects. Notably, the research found that night owls faced an increased risk of death, primarily associated with their nighttime habits such as drinking and smoking.
Further analysis revealed that night shift work and inadequate sleep, both in terms of quantity and quality, were also contributing factors to potential health issues. Previous studies have indicated a connection between being a night owl and a higher likelihood of experiencing heart-related problems.
In the subgroup of twins studied, those classified as “evening” types, whether to some extent or definite, exhibited a nine percent higher risk of mortality compared to their “morning” counterparts. The study concluded that staying awake at night was linked to increased alcohol and tobacco consumption, reduced sleep duration, and a higher mortality risk, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices in overall health outcomes.
