With its peace and calm, the midnight hour frequently appeals to us in a world where our days seem to go well beyond the typical nine to five.
Senior consultant physician Dr. Dilip Gude of Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad pointed out that sleeping in late every day is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including increased anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders, in addition to triggering a chain reaction of stress and metabolic problems.
“The natural repair cycle that occurs during sleep is hampered when people sleep late. Over all life span is decreased in those that are chronically sleep deprived and go to bed later, ” Dr Gude stated in conversation with Indian Express
What potential long-term issues do you have?
Circadian rhythm disruption: Sleeping past midnight on a regular basis throws off the body’s circadian rhythms, which can then alter how important activities like hormone production, metabolism, and body temperature are regulated.
Distorted cognitive abilities: Prolonged late-night sleep can lead to impaired cognitive function, which can cause problems with focus, memory recall, and general mental attentiveness.
Stress hormones: Sleeping late at night has been related to higher amounts of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which may exacerbate anxiety, stress, and even lead to weight gain.
Weak Immunity: Immune system weakness brought on by prolonged sleep loss makes the body more vulnerable to infections and disorders.
Consequences for metabolism: Sleeping after midnight may cause problems for the body’s metabolism, which could lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a higher chance of metabolic diseases.
According to Dr. Gude, staying up late at night is associated with less exposure to sunshine during the day. This can have negative effects on one’s mental and physical health, including decreased focus, memory, and learning. He also mentioned the possibility of elevated blood pressure and cholesterol.
How can these issues be overcome?
Create a Regular Sleep Schedule: Make it a habit to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
Establish a Calm Nighttime Routine: Create relaxing bedtime routines that include reading, doing light stretching, or practicing meditation.
Minimize Your Screen Time: At least one hour before going to bed, limit your exposure to electronic devices with displays since the blue light they emit can interfere with the generation of melatonin.
Mindful Nutrition: Choose light, easily digestible snacks when out late at night. Steer clear of large meals right before bed to encourage higher-quality sleep.
Put Quality Sleep First: Make sure your bedroom is calm, dark, and equipped with pillows that support your head and shoulders. Make an investment to furnish a restful sleeping area.
