A WARNING for Night Owls
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 13, 2023
Do you thrive after dark and struggle to wake up early?
If so, your late-night tendencies could put you at greater risk of developing diabetes.
Emerging research shows that night owls—those who prefer staying up late and sleeping longer—have higher odds of metabolic disorders than early birds.
But it’s NOT your fault. And you CAN do something about it.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that going to bed late and getting up late is linked to a 19 percent higher risk of diabetes, even when other lifestyle factors are considered.
But your late-night tendencies likely aren’t just a bad habit. They’re literally coded into your genes.
You see, we all have something called a “chronotype” or a circadian preference. Your chronotype is the time when you prefer to sleep and wake up.
Some of us like to go to bed early (early birds), while others want to stay up late (night owls).
Your chronotype is partially determined by your genes, which makes it hard to change. But that’s not the WHOLE story.
Most people have a time of day when they prefer to be alone or to socialize, which drives a lot of early-birding or night-owling. But why do night owls have problems with blood sugar?
The researchers found that BEFORE taking lifestyle factors into account, folks who stay up late were 72 percent more likely to have diabetes than those who tucked in early.
It turns out that when compared to morning folks, night owls…
- drink more alcohol,
- smoke more,
- sit more,
- get less sleep,
- exercise less,
- and weigh more.
Scientists also believe our body’s internal clock affects how well we process sugar and insulin throughout the day. This is likely linked to sun exposure, and early birds are naturally exposed to more sun.
So, what do you do if you prefer to stay up until the wee hours of the night?
Start paying closer attention to all those lifestyle factors that can help or harm your health, including sleep, exercise, alcohol, and diet.
You can get more light exposure by buying lightbulbs that mimic natural sunlight. You can also incorporate an exercise program into your nightly routine. Plus, don’t overindulge in alcohol and commit to eating healthier.
Don’t let your late-night preferences put you on the fast track to diabetes. A few simple changes tailored to your night owl habits can get your body clock back on track and reduce your risk of developing the disease.
P.S. Common sleep mistake could trigger CANCER.
Source:
“Chronotype, Unhealthy Lifestyle, and Diabetes Risk in Middle-Aged U.S. Women: A Prospective Cohort Study,” Annals of Internal Medicine, 12 September 2023, doi. org / 10.7326/M23-0728
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...
Weird Nightmare Trigger Has an Easy Fix
To all our veterans – we pause today to express our profound gratitude for your service and sacrifice. Your unwavering commitment to defending our nation’s values represents the very best of America. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, which usually occurs halfway through the night. They’re typically brief, but they can make it difficult to fall...