Early Bird Gets the Worm…But Not Diabetes or Heart Disease?
For centuries, the phrases “early bird” and “night owl” have often been used to describe an individual’s preferred duration of wakefulness and productivity. It is a common recommendation that the average human adult should get about seven to nine hours of sleep each day in order to function their best, regardless of when they wake up. However, a recent study from researchers at Rutgers University highlights that early risers may have a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease than late risers.
Chronotype refers to an individual’s preference to be active during different times of the day and impacts appetite, physical activity, and circadian rhythms. More specifically, early chronotypes (ECs) prefer to wake up early while late chronotypes (LCs) prefer to stay up late. In this study, because different chronotypes affect an individual’s hormones, researchers aimed to analyze energy metabolism differences between ECs and LCs during rest and exercise. Participants included 51 adults with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increase an individual’s risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. After surveying them, the participants were classified as either EC or LC. Participants then performed a moderate to high-intensity exercise on a treadmill. Resting and exercising carbohydrate and fat metabolism levels were observed to measure energy fuel preference. Additionally, participants were instructed to wear an accelerometer during the day for seven days, which measured activity levels.
Chronotype refers to an individual’s preference to be active during different times of the day and impacts appetite, physical activity, and circadian rhythms. More specifically, early chronotypes (ECs) prefer to wake up early while late chronotypes (LCs) prefer to stay up late. In this study, because different chronotypes affect an individual’s hormones, researchers aimed to analyze energy metabolism differences between ECs and LCs during rest and exercise. Participants included 51 adults with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increase an individual’s risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. After surveying them, the participants were classified as either EC or LC. Participants then performed a moderate to high-intensity exercise on a treadmill. Resting and exercising carbohydrate and fat metabolism levels were observed to measure energy fuel preference. Additionally, participants were instructed to wear an accelerometer during the day for seven days, which measured activity levels.
Image Source: Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush
A notable finding was that ECs used more fat for fuel during rest and exercise when compared to LCs. These findings suggest that ECs have differences in fuel preference that are associated with Type 2 diabetes risk. Another notable finding of this study was that ECs participated in less sedentary behavior throughout the day and performed more physical activity in the morning and midday than LCs, which helps against metabolic insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is harmful because it leads to elevated blood glucose levels which can result in Type 2 diabetes in the long run. Ultimately, this study provides support that chronotype can be seen as a potential risk factor related to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk.
This research study is important for human health because the individual preference for being active during earlier parts of the day may be beneficial for overall health. Behavioral interventions can include maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule and aiming to start the day early. However, these behavioral changes should be made voluntarily and with discussion with an individual’s healthcare provider, as it is undetermined if an EC lifestyle definitively lowers the risk of developing health issues.
This research study is important for human health because the individual preference for being active during earlier parts of the day may be beneficial for overall health. Behavioral interventions can include maintaining a consistent sleep and wake schedule and aiming to start the day early. However, these behavioral changes should be made voluntarily and with discussion with an individual’s healthcare provider, as it is undetermined if an EC lifestyle definitively lowers the risk of developing health issues.
Featured Image Source: Katniss12
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