Over an average of 14 years of follow-up, they found that night owls’ risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke was 16% higher than those in the intermediate category. In addition, previous research has shown that night owls and individuals with misaligned circadian rhythms are more likely to experience mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. The researchers wanted to test their theory that night owls are more likely to have a poorer heart health profile (lower Life’s Essential 8 scores), which would increase their cardiovascular risk. The researchers’ analysis, as predicted, found that individuals who self-reported as night owls were at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, compared with intermediates, “night owls had a 79% higher prevalence of an overall poorer [Life’s Essential 8] score.“ In contrast, being a lark was linked to a slightly better Life’s Essential 8 score than intermediates.