A preference for early mornings and regular physical activity may be associated with a reduced risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to preliminary research presented February 25, 2026. The findings, slated for presentation at the American Academy of Neurology’s 78th Annual Meeting in April, suggest a potential link between lifestyle factors and the neurodegenerative disease. It’s important to note that this study demonstrates an association, not a proven cause-and-effect relationship.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and death. The average life expectancy following diagnosis ranges from two to five years, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Whereas previous studies have hinted at a possible connection between sleep, exercise, and a lower risk of certain neurodegenerative diseases, results for ALS have been inconsistent. This recent research, however, indicates that aligning sleep schedules with daylight hours and maintaining a physically active lifestyle may play a protective role.
The study, led by Hongfu Li, MD, PhD, of Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China, analyzed data from over 500,000 participants with an average age of 57. Participants were followed for an average of 14 years, during which 675, or 0.14%, developed ALS. Researchers categorized participants based on their “chronotype” – their natural inclination toward being a morning person or a night owl – and assessed their levels of physical activity through questionnaires.
Defining Morning and Evening Chronotypes
Researchers defined a “morning chronotype,” or “early bird,” as individuals who prefer earlier bedtimes and wake times and report peak productivity during the earlier part of the day. Conversely, an “evening chronotype,” or “night owl,” was characterized by a preference for later bedtimes and wake times, with peak productivity occurring later in the day. Of the participants, 277,620 were classified as early birds, and 166,361 as night owls, while data for 58,298 individuals was insufficient to determine their chronotype.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), the study found that individuals identified as early birds had a 20% reduced risk of developing ALS compared to night owls. Researchers similarly observed that those who consistently slept between six and eight hours per night exhibited a lower risk of ALS than those who slept less or more.
Physical Activity and ALS Risk
Greater physical activity was also linked to a lower risk of ALS. Researchers quantified energy expenditure using metabolic equivalents (METs), assigning values to different activities – vigorous activities like running and cycling received 8.0 METs, moderate activities like carrying light loads received 4.0 METs, and lower-intensity activities like walking received 3.3 METs. The average physical activity level among participants was 2,645 MET-minutes per week.
Individuals engaging in 600 MET-minutes or more of physical activity per week demonstrated a 26% lower risk of ALS compared to those with lower activity levels. Specifically, 386 out of 314,170 participants with higher activity levels developed ALS, while 107 out of 70,946 participants with lower activity levels received the diagnosis.
“While more research is needed to further explore these associations, promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors may represent a potential strategy for reducing the risk of ALS,” said Dr. Li. The study’s findings underscore the potential importance of lifestyle factors in neurodegenerative disease prevention.
The researchers acknowledged a limitation of the study: 95% of participants were white, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations. Further research is needed to determine if these associations hold true across diverse ethnic and racial groups.
This research was funded by the Chinese national level major research program.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
The findings from this study offer a promising avenue for further investigation into the potential preventative measures for ALS. Future research will likely focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms linking chronotype and physical activity to ALS risk, and exploring whether interventions targeting these lifestyle factors can effectively reduce the incidence of this devastating disease. Share your thoughts on these findings in the comments below.
