It is detrimental to health.
Recent research reveals that individuals who stay up late are nearly 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who maintain an earlier bedtime. This finding, presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes conference in Madrid, indicates that the increased risk is not solely attributed to poor lifestyle habits. The study, led by Jeroen van der Velde from Leiden University Medical Center, demonstrates that the link remains significant even after accounting for variables such as diet, exercise, smoking, and overall sleep quality.
Analyzing data from over 5,000 participants, the research found that those who are night owls had a 46% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over approximately six years. This risk remained notable even when controlling for various lifestyle factors. Additionally, night owls were observed to have higher body mass indices (BMI), larger waist circumferences, and more hidden body fat compared to those with more conventional sleep schedules.
Van der Velde attributes this increased risk to circadian misalignment, which happens when the body’s internal clock is out of sync with societal schedules. This misalignment can disrupt metabolic processes, potentially leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study also discovered that night owls had 14% more liver fat than those with average sleep patterns, reinforcing the link between late-night habits and adverse metabolic effects.
The research suggests that modifying lifestyle habits, such as adjusting meal timing, might help reduce the risks associated with staying up late. While the study did not directly explore the impact of time-restricted eating, there is emerging evidence that consuming food earlier in the day could offer metabolic benefits. Van der Velde proposed that night owls might lower their risk of type 2 diabetes by avoiding late-night meals.
Although these findings are promising, they are preliminary and should be validated by further peer-reviewed research. The study highlights the importance of considering circadian rhythms and making lifestyle adjustments to manage diabetes risk effectively.
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