Continuously staying up late is one of the factors that negatively affects health! So, what are the harmful effects of staying up late? Let’s look at the consequences of staying up late in the article below.
What are the harmful effects of staying up late on the body?
- Risk of memory decline
One of the harmful effects of staying up late that cannot be ignored is the risk of memory decline. People who frequently stay up late are five times more likely to experience memory decline than those who sleep on time and get enough rest. The reason for memory decline when staying up late is that the brain does not get adequate rest or time to process and store the events, activities, or information that occurred during the day. This significantly reduces the amount of information the brain can retain. Additionally, people who frequently stay up late and lack sleep will experience headaches and fatigue the next day. Prolonged fatigue can lead to neurological disorders, anxiety, and stress.
- Impact on the digestive systemÂ
According to experts, nighttime is the rest and regeneration period for the stomach lining. Therefore, if you stay up too late, these cells do not get rest and become weakened. Staying up late also increases the secretion of digestive acids in the stomach, which can lead to or worsen stomach ulcers if already present. Thus, one of the other harmful effects of staying up late is causing negative impacts on the digestive system.
- Vision decline for frequent night owlsÂ
What are the harmful effects of staying up late on health? Vision decline is an answer you need to know when discussing the negative impacts of staying up late on health. Staying up too long prevents the eyes from getting adequate rest, leading to eye strain and dryness. Over time, this affects vision. Young people who frequently stay up late often work with electronic devices (exposed to blue light) or in low-light conditions, which quickly deteriorates eye health. You are more likely to suffer from eye conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, macular degeneration, and retinal damage.
- Hormonal imbalance Â
Scientists suggest that during sleep, the body releases balancing hormones to regulate hormones. Therefore, frequent late nights can cause hormonal imbalance. Women may experience menstrual irregularities and an increase in uterine fibroids due to this imbalance.
- Immune system and body resistance decline
One harmful effect of staying up late is the weakening of the immune system and body resistance. This is because the body cannot release enough necessary immunity hormones between 12 AM and 4 AM. The body also tends to lack energy and feel fatigued. As a result, people who stay up too late are more prone to illnesses such as colds, coughs, allergies, and headaches.
- Skin health deterioration
Staying up too late prevents the skin from regenerating and recovering. Aging processes accelerate when sleep is insufficient or delayed. Symptoms such as dull skin, dryness, acne, and early wrinkles are more common in people who habitually stay up late.
Uncontrolled weight gain
Staying up late to study, work, or watch movies often leads to hunger and increased night-time snacking. If you consume large amounts of food, especially fried or greasy dishes, it can easily lead to uncontrolled weight gain. The digestive system is also put under pressure to process the new intake of food.
Other harmful effects
Neurological disorders and prolonged headaches.
Fatigue and lack of energy, affect work and life quality.
Reduced concentration.
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Building a Reasonable and Healthy Sleep Routine
Given the negative impacts of staying up late on health, each person should proactively
– Establish a routine with fixed sleeping and waking times to develop a suitable “biological clock” for better health.
– Try to go to bed early, on time, and get enough sleep. The required sleep duration varies by age, and you should adhere to the recommendations.
– Maintain a relaxed mind and avoid prolonged stress, which can directly affect sleep quality.
– Those who suffer from frequent insomnia can consult a doctor and use prescribed medications to improve sleep. You can also include sleep-friendly foods like lotus seeds, walnuts, and lettuce.
– Engage in light exercise before bedtime, such as yoga, cycling, walking, or meditation, to improve sleep quality.
– Ensure a comfortable and quiet bedroom environment to facilitate easy sleep.
These are the harmful effects of staying up late that you may encounter if you maintain this unhealthy habit. To build the best health for yourself, you should change your habits and maintain a healthy and scientific rest schedule.