Scientists: ‘Night Owls’ at Greater Risk of Dying Younger, Give Them Flexible Working Hours

People who stay awake late and find it difficult to get up in the morning have a higher risk of dying younger than those who go to bed and wake up following the Sun’s rhythm, scientists have stated.

A study conducted among 430,000 people in Britain revealed that ‘night owls’ had a 10 percent higher risk of death than early risers.

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“This is a public health issue that can no longer be ignored,” said co-author of the study Malcolm van Schantz from the University of Surrey last week, asserting that “night types” should be allowed to come to work later.

“Night owls trying to live in a world of early risers may have health consequences,” said Kristen Knutson from Northwestern University in Chicago, also a co-author of the study.

They collected data from a public database on nearly half a million people aged 38 to 73 years.

Study participants described themselves as “definitely a morning person” in 27 percent of cases, “more morning than night” (35 percent), “more night than morning” (28 percent), or “definitely a night owl” which accounted for nine percent.

They also reported their weight, smoking habits, and socio-economic status.

The study showed that a healthy amount of rest is very important.

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Scientists concluded that the group of night owls has a 10 percent higher risk of death than the early morning group.

They also found that night types are more likely to develop psychological disorders, diabetes, and stomach and respiratory problems. Additionally, they are more prone to smoking, drinking alcohol and coffee, and using illegal drugs.

The reason for the higher risk may be that “people who are awake late have an internal biological clock that is not in sync with their external environment,” Knutson said.

“This could be psychological stress, eating at the wrong time for the body, insufficient exercise, insufficient sleep, staying awake late into the night, possibly using drugs or alcohol.”

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Scientists have called for special treatment for ‘night owls’, namely more flexible jobs and working hours.

“They should not be forced to get up for a shift that starts at eight in the morning,” the scientists believe.