Exercising at the optimal time of day for your body could play a crucial role in reducing the risk of heart attacks, according to recent research findings. Scientists have investigated the significance of the circadian rhythm and whether individuals are early risers or night owls. A study demonstrated that working out at the right time for your body led to improvements in various aspects of heart health, notably enhancing blood pressure and sleep quality.
The results, published in the journal Open Heart, propose that the NHS could potentially conduct genetic tests on heart patients to determine whether they should exercise in the morning or evening. Dr. Rajiv Sankaranarayanan from the British Cardiovascular Society emphasized the relevance of incorporating chronotype assessment into lifestyle guidance, especially for patients with hypertension or cardiometabolic risks.
The study, conducted by researchers in the UK and Pakistan, focused on the chronotypes of 150 individuals aged between 40 and 60 with at least one heart risk factor. Participants completed detailed lifestyle surveys and underwent core body temperature assessments over 48 hours. They were then randomly assigned to exercise groups tailored to their chronotype, with sessions scheduled either in the morning or evening. Before and after the 12-week trial, measurements such as blood pressure and fasting glucose levels were taken.
While both groups showed improvements in heart risk factors, aerobic fitness, and sleep quality, those who exercised at the suitable time for their chronotype experienced greater enhancements. For instance, morning people who exercised before work witnessed more significant reductions in blood pressure and greater improvements in heart rate, aerobic capacity, and sleep quality.
Researchers highlighted that exercising according to your body’s natural rhythm may enhance the effectiveness of muscle and fat tissue utilization while reducing harmful inflammation. Dr. Arsalan Tariq from the University of Lahore suggested that implementing “chrono-exercise,” aligning workouts with an individual’s biological clock, could be a novel and impactful strategy for improving preventive cardiovascular and metabolic health.
These findings follow a previous study reported by the Mirror, which revealed that physically active individuals have a lower likelihood of mortality from various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. An analysis of 85 studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicated that lifelong physical activity reduced the risk of death by 30% to 40%. Even individuals who transitioned from inactive to active lifestyles were 22% less likely to die compared to those who remained inactive.