“Larks” are less susceptible to certain diseases than “owls”

doctor of integrative medicine, therapist, infectious disease specialist at UniProf Academy of Physicians

How does the mode of sleep and wakefulness affect the state of health?

“There are no larks and owls, there are only larks and sick larks”. Indeed, human evolution did not envision any “owls”. Ancient people had to get up early in order to survive, so that the quick relatives did not dismantle berries and other fruits in the neighborhood, did not eat all the prey caught the day before.

Disturbed circadian rhythms in most cases – a consequence of some “breakdowns”, whether genetics or broken biochemical processes under the influence of various unfavorable factors. At the same time, a lifestyle with evening or night activity sooner or later leads to consequences.

To determine whether you are a “lark” or an “owl”, the test of the “Championship” at the link will help.

How the study was conducted

Scientists from Rutgers University conducted a study. They divided people into groups depending on their lifestyle: early chronotypes, “larks” (preference for early rising or physical activity at the beginning of the day), and late chronotypes, “owls” (late waking, evening or night activity).

As part of the work, the researchers determined body parameters, analyzed body composition, and performed a number of other measurements during physical activity of the participants and at rest. They were all in the same category in terms of age and body composition.

Participants had a sedentary lifestyle, did not smoke, and did not have cardiovascular disease, oncology (within the past five years), or known metabolic diseases.

However, some indicators differed significantly between larks and owls.

What the scientists concluded

Firstly, those who prefer to get up early, faster to break down fat: and at rest, and during exercise or other activity.

Secondly, larks tend to be more mobile during the day than owls. And this has a positive effect on insulin sensitivity – making the body’s cells more receptive to insulin. In general, exercise reduces the body’s dependence on the flow of glycogen and glucose and increases the breakdown of fat.

It turns out that “owls” have two risk factors that increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

• Weak or insensitive cells to insulin, that is, insulin resistance. Unless lifestyle changes are made, this condition will eventually develop into diabetes.
• Disorder of fat metabolism – slow breakdown of fats.

It is possible to reorganize the internal clock and learn to get up earlier. How to do it, read the article at the link.