Night Owls at Risk: Late Sleepers Face Higher Chance of Type 2 Diabetes

Sleep is one of the most powerful factors influencing our overall health, right alongside proper nutrition, exercise, and genetics. A study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes found that people who prefer staying up late and waking up late — commonly known as “night owls”, may face a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The long-term study analyzed sleep data from over 5,000 participants and found a clear link between late sleep habits and increased diabetes risk. Specifically, individuals who stayed up late and woke up late were found to be up to 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who went to bed earlier and followed a more consistent daily routine.

Researchers explained that irregular sleep patterns, due to lack of sleep or a disrupted circadian rhythm, can lead to elevated stress, weakened immune function, and metabolic imbalances, all of which are known risk factors for diabetes.

Dr. Amit Green, a psychologist and sleep specialist from Assuta’s Sleep Institute, explains that exposure to natural light in the morning and melatonin supplementation in the evening can help reset the biological clock, improve sleep quality, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

If you often find yourself awake in the early hours of the night, it may be time to reconsider your sleep habits, for the sake of your long-term health.