A new long-term study suggests that "night owls" are not at increased risk of premature death compared to early sleepers, provided they do not abuse alcohol and tobacco.
Previous research concluded in 2018 that night owls had a 10% higher risk of death from all causes over a six and a half year period. However, this British study did not take into account other factors such as alcohol consumption.
In the new study conducted in Finland, nearly 24,000 twins were followed for 37 years. Researchers found that a 9% difference in the risk of death between "night owls" and early risers was mainly due to tobacco and alcohol. It is therefore recommended that night owls reduce their consumption of these substances.
However, some researchers point out that participants' self-classification as night owl or early riser is a limitation of the study, and other factors such as mental health and drug use could also influence the results.
 Frank Verain
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22/06/2023 | 
