Early bird secret to total health

An early bird schedule helps you stick to healthy lifestyle habits. So say researchers in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. They conducted a study using devices that measure sleep and overall activity in 635 subjects with type 2 diabetes and found that folks who were in bed by 10:30 PM were 56% more active during the day. Study author Joseph Henson, M.D., says this schedule syncs with the body’s internal clock, as well as work and family schedules, allowing time and energy to exercise.

Dr. Henson says night owls can reset their clock by soaking up early sunshine, taking walks at lunch and keeping a regular bedtime, even if it’s on the later side.