Night Owls May Face Higher Heart Risks, Major Study Finds

People who feel most awake and active at night may want to take a closer look at their heart health.

A major study published in January 2026 in the Journal of the American Heart Association followed more than 300,000 adults and found that evening-active people had worse cardiovascular health than those who were more active earlier in the day. According to the study, night owls were 79 percent more likely to have a poor overall heart health score. They also had a 16 percent higher risk of heart attack or stroke over 14 years of follow-up.

The findings do not mean that staying up late automatically causes heart disease. But they do suggest that evening habits may be linked to behaviors that can raise heart risks over time.

Researchers pointed to three major factors: poor sleep, smoking, and diet. People who are active late at night may be more likely to sleep less, eat at irregular times, choose less healthy foods, or smoke. Over many years, those habits can put extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.

Women appeared to be especially affected in the study, though the reason is not yet fully clear. Experts have long known that heart disease can look different in women than in men, and risk factors may not affect everyone in the same way.

The good news is that the main risks associated with late-night habits can be mitigated. Better sleep, healthier meals, and quitting smoking can all improve heart health. Even small steps may help, such as setting a regular bedtime, avoiding heavy snacks late at night, cutting back on tobacco, and planning balanced meals earlier in the day.

For night owls, the message is not to panic. It is important to pay attention. A late schedule may be part of a person’s natural rhythm, work life, or family routine. But heart health is shaped by daily choices, and those choices can be improved.

Doctors often recommend regular checkups, especially for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking history, or a family history of heart disease. Knowing your numbers can help spot problems early.

The study adds to growing evidence that when we sleep, eat, and stay active may matter along with what we eat and how much we exercise. For people who burn the midnight oil, protecting the heart may start with building healthier routines before the day is done.