Tag

Chronotype

All articles tagged with #chronotype

Night Owls Linked to Higher Heart Risk, Largely Driven by Lifestyle
health19 days ago

Night Owls Linked to Higher Heart Risk, Largely Driven by Lifestyle

A UK Biobank study of over 322,000 adults followed for ~14 years finds definite evening chronotypes (night owls) have worse cardiovascular health and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than intermediate sleepers, with about three-quarters of the excess risk explained by lifestyle factors such as smoking, sleep quality, physical activity, and diet; biology and genetics linked to circadian rhythms may also play a role, and the study notes potential sex differences. For night owls, improving sleep, quitting smoking, exercising, and healthier eating could help reduce risk, though more research is needed.

Sleep After 60: Let Consistency and Your Chronotype Guide You
health1 month ago

Sleep After 60: Let Consistency and Your Chronotype Guide You

Older adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep with a consistent wake time that matches their chronotype. Sleep needs can vary with activity, stress and hormones, and deep sleep tends to decline with age, but anchoring your schedule to a steady wake time helps the circadian rhythm. Some people wake earlier as they age, reflecting a shift in chronotype or personal preference. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent fragmentation, daytime sleepiness, excessive daytime sleep, snoring, or frequent nightmares.

7 Surprising Traits of Night-Eating Dinners After 9 p.m.
health-and-psychology5 months ago

7 Surprising Traits of Night-Eating Dinners After 9 p.m.

People who eat dinner after 9 p.m. often do so due to their biological and social rhythms, not laziness, with traits like being night-owls, prioritizing deep work and social connections, and adapting to cultural norms. Recognizing these patterns can lead to more compassionate and effective approaches to late-night eating, emphasizing alignment with one's natural clock and environment.

Study Finds Night Owls Smarter Than Early Birds
health-and-science1 year ago

Study Finds Night Owls Smarter Than Early Birds

A study by Imperial College London found that "night owls" tend to score higher on cognitive tests than "morning larks," with optimal brain function linked to 7-9 hours of sleep per night. The research, involving over 26,000 participants, suggests that aligning sleep habits with natural preferences can enhance cognitive performance, emphasizing the importance of sleep duration and quality.

"Timing of Blood Pressure Meds May Reduce Heart Attack Risk"
health1 year ago

"Timing of Blood Pressure Meds May Reduce Heart Attack Risk"

A new study suggests that taking blood pressure medication at times aligned with one's chronotype may reduce the risk of heart attacks. Researchers found that night owls benefit from evening doses, while early birds should take their meds in the morning. The study, involving over 5,300 participants, indicates that personalized chronotherapy could be a significant advancement in hypertension treatment, though further trials are needed to confirm these findings.

"Study Suggests Morning Chronotypes May Have Increased Anorexia Risk"
health-and-medicine2 years ago

"Study Suggests Morning Chronotypes May Have Increased Anorexia Risk"

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital and collaborators has found that individuals with anorexia nervosa are more likely to be early risers, a trait contrasting with other mental disorders that are linked to evening chronotypes. Utilizing genetic analysis, the researchers identified a bidirectional association between anorexia nervosa and morning chronotype genes, as well as a connection with increased insomnia risk. These insights could inform new circadian-based prevention and treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa, which has a high mortality rate among psychiatric disorders.

"Genetic Study Suggests Early Risers May Have Higher Anorexia Risk"
health2 years ago

"Genetic Study Suggests Early Risers May Have Higher Anorexia Risk"

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital published in JAMA Network Open suggests a two-way genetic link between being a morning person and an increased risk of anorexia nervosa. The research indicates that early risers are more likely to develop anorexia, and those with the disorder tend to have disturbed sleep patterns, including insomnia but not necessarily altered sleep duration or daytime napping. This connection may inform future circadian-based therapies for the prevention and treatment of anorexia, which affects millions annually and is particularly prevalent among young women.

Cracking the Code: Harnessing Your Internal Clock for Optimal Success
science-and-technology2 years ago

Cracking the Code: Harnessing Your Internal Clock for Optimal Success

Understanding and aligning tasks with your personal circadian rhythm, or chronotype, can optimize mental performance. People perform best on challenging tasks when they are synchronized with their circadian peaks. This synchrony effect affects attention, memory, problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical thinking. Synchrony also has implications for academic success, cognitive disorder assessments, and clinical trials. By considering synchrony, individuals can improve their outcomes and gain a competitive edge.

Night Owls Face Higher Diabetes Risk Due to Late Nights
health2 years ago

Night Owls Face Higher Diabetes Risk Due to Late Nights

A study from Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals that individuals who identify as night owls and have later sleep and wake times are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. The research, conducted on 63,676 female nurses, found that evening chronotype was associated with a 19% increased risk of diabetes after accounting for lifestyle factors. Those with evening chronotypes were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet quality, smoking, and inadequate sleep. The study suggests that personalized work scheduling and tailored prevention strategies may be beneficial in reducing diabetes risk for night owls.

Sleeping Patterns Linked to Income Disparity, Reveals Groundbreaking Study
health2 years ago

Sleeping Patterns Linked to Income Disparity, Reveals Groundbreaking Study

A new study published in Economics and Human Biology has found a connection between people's natural sleep patterns, known as chronotypes, and their wages. Individuals who have a preference for staying up late, known as evening types or "owls," tend to have poorer health habits, including sleep habits, which in turn is associated with reduced wages. The study suggests that an individual's chronotype can influence their accumulation of human capital, social capital, and health capital, ultimately impacting their productivity and wages. However, the study only shows an indirect association and cannot prove causation. Further research is needed to understand the causal mechanisms between chronotype, work productivity, and health outcomes.

The Impact of Screen Use on Adolescent Emotional Issues: Chronotype Changes and Social Jetlag
health2 years ago

The Impact of Screen Use on Adolescent Emotional Issues: Chronotype Changes and Social Jetlag

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that screen use before sleep among adolescents is linked to emotional problems. The study focused on the impact of chronotype (biological clock timing) and social jetlag (misalignment between biological and social rhythms). Adolescents who used screens before sleep had a later chronotype and experienced greater social jetlag, putting them at a higher risk of emotional difficulties. Disruption of circadian rhythms was identified as a key factor connecting screen exposure to psychopathology. The study highlights the importance of promoting healthier screen habits and considering adolescents' natural sleep patterns to support their emotional well-being.

Oura Ring Adds Chronotypes for Personalized Insights
health-tech3 years ago

Oura Ring Adds Chronotypes for Personalized Insights

Oura Ring, a smart ring that tracks sleep, has added new features to its sleep-tracking capabilities, including the ability to determine whether someone is a morning person or a night owl and adjust their sleep schedule accordingly. The app will include a description of the user's chronotype along with an optimal sleep schedule. Other new metrics include Sleep Regularity, an expanded version of Sleep Scores, and a new "fair" rating for sleep quality. The updates come amid a growing focus on sleep as a wellness metric in wearable tech.