New Delhi: Recent research highlights the potential health risks associated with staying up late, particularly for those often referred to as “night owls.” According to a study released on Monday, individuals who frequently stay up late are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). This increased risk is linked to a combination of factors, including higher body mass index (BMI), larger waist sizes, and elevated levels of hidden body fat.
The study, conducted by Dr. Jeroen van der Velde and his team from Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, found that night owls are nearly 50 percent more likely to develop T2D compared to individuals who adhere to an earlier sleep schedule. Previous research has established a connection between late sleep patterns and unhealthy lifestyles, including obesity and metabolic disorders. However, this new study emphasizes that the risk of diabetes among night owls extends beyond lifestyle choices.
Dr. van der Velde suggests that the misalignment of night owls’ circadian rhythms with conventional work and social schedules could be a contributing factor. This disruption in the body’s internal clock may interfere with metabolic processes, further increasing the risk of T2D.
The study examined over 5,000 participants, categorizing them into early risers, night owls, and those with intermediate sleep patterns. Measurements of BMI, waist size, visceral fat, and liver fat were taken, revealing that night owls had notably higher levels of these metrics. Specifically, they had a BMI that was 0.7 kg/m² higher, a waist size that was 1.9 cm larger, and significantly more visceral and liver fat compared to those with intermediate sleep patterns.
These findings, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Madrid from September 9-13, underscore the importance of aligning sleep patterns with natural circadian rhythms to mitigate health risks.
