Night Owls May Face Financial and Health Disadvantages Later in Life, Study Suggests

Individuals who identify as night owls may face a greater risk of health problems and financial difficulties as they age, according to new research.

A study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine examined whether the late-night habits of evening types (E-types) influenced their chances of receiving a disability pension by retirement age.

The findings suggest that early risers might have an advantage in the workplace, as E-types reported more challenges in their working lives compared to morning types (M-types). Researchers analyzed data from 5,679 individuals in their mid-40s, comparing the likelihood of E-types and M-types receiving a disability pension over the subsequent 12 years.

The study revealed that E-types had a 1.7 times higher risk of needing to retire early and claim a disability pension compared to M-types. The study's authors noted that "people who are E-type represent a significant proportion of the population and their health and ability to continue working until retirement age pose challenges for sustainable economies."

The research team classified participants based on their chronotype, with a majority born in Finland, where disability pensions are typically granted following a period of severe and long-term health decline. Over the 12-year follow-up, 5.2% of male E-types and 8.1% of female E-types were granted their first disability pension.

Researchers attribute these poorer health outcomes among E-types as the primary driver for the increased need for disability pensions. Disruption of the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, is strongly linked to sleep problems, which can further compromise overall health.

However, the study acknowledged its observational design, which means it can only explore a potential connection between sleep chronotype—the body's natural sleep-wake cycle influenced by genetics, age, and biology—and disability pensions. It cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The authors called for "further longitudinal studies involving diverse study populations, including younger age groups and non-Finnish individuals, are needed to confirm our results and to assess their generalisability."

Previous research has already indicated that night owls may be at a higher risk for conditions such as diabetes, mental health issues, and premature death. Despite these findings, some studies suggest that night owls may excel in cognitive tasks. For instance, a study from Imperial College London found that night owls outperformed early birds on cognitive tests, scoring higher in certain cognitive assessments.