Early Bird Habits and Lower ALS Risk: A New Study
Being a “morning person” and maintaining a physically active lifestyle are associated with a lower risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to preliminary research presented February 25, 2026, at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting. American Academy of Neurology.
Understanding ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to a loss of muscle control, eventually resulting in paralysis and, death. Newswise The average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years.
The Study: Morningness, Activity and ALS Risk
The study, which involved over 500,000 participants with an average age of 57, followed individuals for an average of 14 years. During this period, 675 participants (0.14%) developed ALS. American Academy of Neurology Participants completed questionnaires detailing their sleep habits and physical activity levels.
Chronotype and ALS
Researchers categorized participants based on their “chronotype” – their natural inclination toward being a morning person (“early bird”) or a night owl. They found that individuals identified as early birds had a 20% lower risk of developing ALS compared to night owls. News-Medical.net
Physical Activity and ALS
The study as well revealed a significant link between physical activity and ALS risk. Participants with higher levels of physical activity demonstrated a 26% lower risk of developing the disease compared to those who were less active. American Academy of Neurology Physical activity was quantified using metabolic equivalents (METs), with vigorous activities like running assigned higher values than lower-intensity activities like walking.
Sleep Duration and ALS Risk
Interestingly, the study also indicated that sleep duration played a role. Individuals who consistently slept between six and eight hours per night had a lower risk of ALS compared to those who slept less or more. American Academy of Neurology
Important Considerations and Limitations
It’s crucial to note that this study demonstrates an association, not causation. It does not prove that being an early bird or being physically active *prevents* ALS, only that these factors are linked to a lower risk. Newswise 95% of the study participants were white, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other populations. American Academy of Neurology
Future Research and Implications
While more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms, the study suggests that promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors – including prioritizing sleep and regular physical activity – may be a potential strategy for reducing the risk of ALS. The full study will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting, taking place April 18-22, 2026, in Chicago and online.