Research suggests that consistently sleeping late, getting too little rest and keeping irregular hours may increase the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
Staying up late and regularly waking well into the morning may feel harmless, but medical research suggests the habit can carry real costs for long-term heart and metabolic health. According to a report by Media Indonesia drawing on international studies, people who identify as night owls appear more likely than early risers to develop cardiovascular and metabolic problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The concern is not simply the hour at which someone goes to bed. Harvard Health notes that consistently sleeping less than six hours a night can raise blood pressure and blood sugar, both of which place extra strain on the heart. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also says adults who routinely get fewer than seven hours of sleep are more likely to face health problems, including heart attack and depression, while the National Institutes of Health has found that irregular sleep patterns can increase cardiovascular risk in middle-aged and older adults.
Recent research reported by ScienceDaily adds to that picture. In its coverage of a study published in January 2026, the site said middle-aged and older adults with later bedtimes had poorer overall heart health and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than those who were more active earlier in the day. The study also linked those risks to common habits seen in evening types, such as smoking, shorter sleep and less healthy routines.
Sleep specialists say the likely explanation lies in the body’s circadian rhythm, the internal clock that helps regulate blood pressure, heart rate, hormones and metabolism. When sleep timing is repeatedly out of step with that rhythm, the result can be poorer glucose control, greater insulin resistance and a greater tendency to snack late at night. The practical advice is straightforward: keep sleep and wake times as steady as possible, avoid heavy meals close to midnight and make daytime exercise part of the routine, even for people who naturally prefer late nights.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
