A new study from researchers at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom has found that people who stay up late and are night owls may face a higher risk of premature death compared to those who go to bed earlier and wake up earlier in the morning.

Why being a night owl is risky?

The study found that people who stay up later have a higher risk of dying prematurely compared to those who are early risers. According to researchers, staying up late may lead to a mismatch between your natural body clock and your daily routine.

This can cause a range of problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

What did the study involve?

The study involved over 433,000 adults aged between 38-73 years old. Participants were asked about their sleeping habits and were followed up for over six years.

The researchers found that people who classified themselves as “definite evening types” were 10% more likely to die during the study compared to “definite morning types”. The study also found that night owls had higher rates of psychological disorders and drug and alcohol abuse.

What can night owls do to reduce the risks?

While the study shows that being a night owl can have negative health consequences, there are things that night owls can do to help reduce their risks. First, they can try to adjust their sleep schedule by going to bed earlier and waking up earlier.

This can help align their natural body clock with their daily routine. Second, they can practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

Finally, they can talk to their doctor if they are having trouble sleeping, as medical conditions such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome can contribute to poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

The study confirms that being a night owl can be risky when it comes to your health. However, with some lifestyle changes and good sleep habits, night owls can reduce their risk of premature death and improve their overall health and well-being.