The Late Night Habit That Could be Hurting Your Heart
If you do your best work after dark, you’re not alone. But a new study suggests that staying up late could come at a cost, especially for women.
Researchers found that people who are most active late in the evening may be at a higher risk for poor cardiovascular health compared to those who rise and thrive earlier in the day. The risk appears to be even greater for middle-aged and older women.
The large, long-term study followed more than 320,000 adults ages 39 to 74 who had no known cardiovascular disease at the start of the research. Participants self-identified their natural sleep-wake preference and were categorized as morning (earlier bedtimes with peak activity early in the day), intermediate (bedtime and peak activity times fluctuate), or evening types (late-night bedtimes with peak activity later in the day).
The results were eye-opening. Those with an “evening” preference were associated with a 79% higher risk of overall poorer health compared to individuals in the intermediate group. Researchers believe this is largely due to circadian rhythm misalignment when your internal body clock is out of sync with your daily schedule.
Why does that matter? Disrupted circadian rhythms can interfere with important cardiometabolic functions, including blood pressure regulation, glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Late-night schedules are also often linked to less physical activity, irregular eating patterns, shorter sleep duration, and higher stress levels, all factors that can negatively impact heart health over time.
The good news is that you don’t have to completely change who you are to protect your heart. Small shifts like aiming for a more consistent sleep schedule, prioritizing quality sleep, getting regular physical activity, and limiting late-night snacking, can help support healthier heart habits.
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, taking steps to align your sleep habits with your body can make a meaningful difference for your heart.