Night Owls May Have Increased Risk of Insulin Resistance

People who like to go to bed later and sleep later in the morning are commonly known as night owls. A recent study suggests that night owls may have a higher risk of being insulin-resistant.

Participants in the study included 51 adults with an average age of 54 who had metabolic syndrome. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was used to categorize participants as early birds or night owls. The researchers measured body mass, body composition, fitness level, and insulin sensitivity. They also evaluated participants’’ metabolism to determine if energy was obtained via fat or carbohydrates.

Night owls were found to be more sedentary, have lower aerobic fitness levels, and were more likely to be insulin-resistant compared to early birds. Night owls also used more carbohydrates for energy, while early birds used more fat. Using more fat for energy is linked with using insulin more efficiently.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Virginia. It was published online ahead of print on September 19, 2002 in the journal Experimental Physiology.

In a previous study, annatto tocotrienol was found to provide metabolic health support.