Being a night owl may not be great for your heart but you can do something about it
January 28, 2026
Being a night owl can be bad for your heart. That’s according to a study showing night owls had poorer overall cardiovascular health than most people, plus a modestly higher risk of a first heart attack or stroke. Unhealthy behaviors like too little sleep, smoking and a poor diet were key reasons. The body’s circadian rhythm, or internal clock, governs when people feel sleepy and awake. Researchers say night owls will have to work harder on healthy behaviors like getting enough sleep in a morning person’s world — but the health advice is good for everyone.