A new study has found that those individuals that stay up late at night are at risk of bad health and heart disease. The study revealed that “night owls” were more likely to develop heart disease or type 2 diabetes relative to people that go to bed early and are early risers.
Sleeping late could lead to devilment of cardiovascular disease
Another interesting aspect of the Rutgers University researchers’ study was that individuals who slept late were less active compared to early risers and less sensitive to insulin, an important predictor of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study also shows that night owls have poorer fat oxidation and accumulation, which increases the risk of disease. Early risers, on the other hand, seem more dependent on fat to provide energy, more active throughout the day, and aerobically fit.
Researchers divided the study participants into two groups of late sleepers and early rises depending on their chronotype. Advanced imaging, mass body assessment, insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate and fat metabolism were some of the things researchers used in their study.
According to the study, individuals who rise early are more likely to burn fat for energy during activity and resting. Additionally, they are more insulin sensitive. In contrast, night owls needed more insulin to regulate blood glucose levels and were found to be insulin resistant. The bodies of night owls also prefer carbohydrates as the energy source instead of fats.
Night owls are insulin resistant
The researchers wrote in the journal of Experimental Physiology that the night owls’ insulin resistance and inability to use more fuel is an indicators of heart disease and type II diabetes.
Study author Prof Steven Malin argues that differences in fat metabolism between night owls and early birds indicate that the body’s circadian clock might influence how the body uses insulin. He adds that sensitivity of impaired ability to respond to insulin has significant implications for one’s health.
Since chronotype affects humans’ hormone action and metabolism, the researchers argue that it could be instrumental in predicting disease risk.
