Evening chronotype is associated with poor work ability and disability pensions at midlife: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study

Objectives This is the first general population study to evaluate whether evening chronotypes (E) have poorer work ability (WA) and higher probability for early disability pensions (DPs) than morning types (M) in middle age. Methods Among non-retired individuals (n=5831; 2672 men, 3159 women) of Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, chronotype was determined at age 46 years with shortened Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaires 2012. The outcomes were poor WA 2012, indicated by scores 0–7/10 Work Ability Score, registered emergence DPs 2013–2016. Multivariate logistic Cox regression analyses separately adjusted factors related sleep, health behaviours, sociodemographic economic factors, or working times. Results E-types represented 10% (n=264) men 12% (n=382) women. Compared M-types, unadjusted ORs 95% CIs E-type women 2.24 (95% CI 1.62 3.08) 2.33 1.74 3.10), respectively. odds remained statistically significant approximately twofold all separate adjustment models tested. During 2013–2016, 8 (3.0%) 10 (2.6%) granted DP, which, compared a HR that (HR 3.12, 1.27 7.63) except when multiple sleep variables times for. Conclusions Eveningness appears previously unrecognised risk factor disability. We suggest individual be considered attempts lengthen careers.