Night Owls Face Higher Risk of Diabetes Due to Unhealthy Habits: Study

A recent study published in NBC News sheds light on the link between being a “night owl” and the increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the role of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors in this association. Being a night owl isn’t just about staying up late for fun; it’s a matter of one’s circadian preference, often influenced by genetic factors, that results in a natural inclination to stay awake during the late hours.

In contrast, “early birds” tend to wake up early and go to bed at an earlier hour. The study, analyzing data from over 60,000 female nurses participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II, reveals significant differences in lifestyle choices between night owls and early birds.

Night owls were found to be more prone to adopting unhealthy habits such as consuming poor diets, exercising less, having a higher body mass index (BMI), getting fewer hours of sleep, and smoking cigarettes when compared to their early bird counterparts.

These findings are detailed in a report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The most striking revelation from the study was that night owls faced a 19% higher risk of developing diabetes, even after adjusting for the influence of their unhealthy habits. This suggests that there may be an inherent risk associated with having a circadian rhythm misaligned with societal schedules. 

Dr. Tianyi Huang, the senior author of the study and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, commented on the findings, stating that a 19% increased risk, even after accounting for other factors, is a substantial risk factor for diabetes. Of the women participating in the study, 11% identified themselves as night owls, while 35% considered themselves early birds.

The remaining half did not strongly align with either morning or evening preferences. These results add to a growing body of evidence that links being an “evening chronotype” or having more energy at night to health risks. Previous research has already connected night owls with obesity and heart disease. 

Dr. Huang suggests that the risk associated with being a night owl might stem from the misalignment of a person’s chronotype with their daily schedule, particularly their work schedule. Many night owls are forced to stay up late and then wake up early for work, which disrupts their natural sleep patterns. Interestingly, the study found that among evening chronotypes who worked night shifts, there was no significant association with an increased risk of diabetes. 

Marie-Pierre St-Onge, director of the Center of Excellence for Sleep and Circadian Research at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, emphasized the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits for night owls. She explained that maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in physical activity can mitigate the risks associated with being a night owl. 

While some individuals with evening chronotypes can temporarily adjust their sleep patterns due to life events, such as having children, they often revert to their natural preferences over time. Genetic factors play a substantial role in determining one’s chronotype, making it challenging to alter. St-Onge suggests that the existence of evening chronotypes in humans may have evolved as a way to ensure 24-hour coverage for safety, with some individuals being naturally vigilant during nighttime hours. 

Although the study provides valuable insights, it does not definitively establish causation between being an evening chronotype and an increased risk of diabetes. Additionally, the study’s limitations include its predominantly white female participant pool. 

Dr. James McGuirk, a sleep specialist not affiliated with the research, noted that many people who identify as night owls may feel they have insomnia because they are trying to conform to a schedule that does not align with their internal chronotype. Understanding and respecting one’s natural circadian rhythm may be a key factor in maintaining overall health. 

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of recognizing the health risks associated with being a night owl and the need for individuals with this chronotype to focus on adopting healthier lifestyle habits to mitigate those risks.