Night Owls Face Higher Cardiovascular Risk

Recent study links circadian rhythm disruptions to increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that individuals who identify as 'night owls' face a 16% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with intermediate circadian rhythms. The research suggests that disruptions to the body's internal clock, whether through shift work, social jetlag, or natural sleep preferences, can impact lifestyle factors and directly influence heart health.

Why it matters

This study highlights the growing importance of circadian rhythm research in the field of cardiology. As more people adopt 24/7 lifestyles, understanding how the body's internal clock interacts with cardiovascular function is crucial for developing personalized prevention and treatment strategies. Addressing societal factors that contribute to circadian disruption, such as shift work policies, could have significant public health benefits.

The details

The study analyzed data from over 300,000 adults in the UK Biobank and found that nearly 8% of participants identified as 'night owls,' while 24% were 'morning larks,' and 67% fell into an intermediate category. The research pointed to a correlation between night owl status and unhealthy habits like smoking and insufficient sleep, which may partially explain the increased cardiovascular risk. However, the link between chronotype and heart health appears to go beyond just sleep patterns, suggesting that an individual's natural inclination towards being a morning or evening person can influence lifestyle choices that impact overall cardiovascular health.

  • The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association on January 29, 2026.

The players

Journal of the American Heart Association

A peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Heart Association that covers research related to cardiovascular health and disease.

UK Biobank

A large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from half a million UK participants.

Dr. Emily Carter

A leading chronobiologist at the University of California, San Francisco who specializes in the study of circadian rhythms and their impact on health.

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What they’re saying

“We're learning that the same medication can have different effects depending on when it's administered. The body's physiological processes fluctuate throughout the day, and aligning treatment with these fluctuations can maximize efficacy and minimize side effects.”

— Dr. Emily Carter, Chronobiologist, University of California, San Francisco (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

Researchers are already investigating the optimal timing for taking blood pressure medication, with some studies suggesting that evening doses are more effective for certain individuals. As the understanding of circadian rhythms and cardiovascular health continues to evolve, we can expect to see more personalized treatment protocols that take an individual's internal clock into account.

The takeaway

This study underscores the growing importance of circadian health in the field of cardiology. By recognizing how an individual's natural sleep-wake preferences can influence lifestyle factors and directly impact heart health, healthcare providers can develop more personalized prevention and treatment strategies to address cardiovascular disease.