Thithawat.S / Shutterstock People with a night owl chronotype can struggle with a fixed 9-5 routine. Failing to get to sleep can mean you don't get a consistent eight hours a night. This is bad news because a lack of sleep has been associated with an increased risk of early death. But according to new research, you might be able to reduce your risk by catching up with sleep at the weekend. However, the consensus in the sleep science community remains that consistency is key, and there is no substitute for a regular bedtime when it comes to your health. As a night owl, I know what it's like to struggle with the strict schedules society has set for us.