If you find yourself endlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favourite series or even completing pending tasks past midnight, you might be putting yourself at serious risk. In fact, staying awake past midnight could be killing your body, says Dr Dinesh Singh Thakur, an advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgeon based in India. In a video shared on Instagram, in Nov. the doctor revealed that sleeping at 1 am is killing the body. How? Let’s take a look.
When you sleep matters
Getting adequate sleep is crucial for good health and well-being throughout your life. Sleep is essential for both your body and mind. This process helps your brain to reset for the next day and process and consolidate information. From heart health to immune function and hormonal balance, sleep plays a significant role in your body’s vital functions. According to to Dr Thakur, your sleep timing decides how well your body heals, burns fat, and balances hormones. “Every hour you delay sleep, from 9 pm to 3 am, your body misses a vital recovery window,” the surgeon warned.
While most people today are aware that adequate sleep is essential for their health, most are unaware of the optimal sleep timings. When you sleep is just as important as how long you sleep.
What happens if you sleep at 1 am?
According to Dr Thakur, when you postpone sleep to 1 am, you might be disrupting the major recovery process of your body. Here’s what happens:• Between 9 -10 pm, your body begins detox and cell repair.• 11 pm: melatonin peaks, deep sleep starts restoring metabolism.• 12 am: Fat-burning hormones like HGH are released.• Between 1 – 2 am: Liver detox slows if you’re awake — toxin buildup increases.• 3 am onward: Sleep becomes lighter, healing reduces drastically.So what happens if you sleep past these time stamps? You will struggle with the following body functions.
- Hormonal balance
- Weight management
- Blood sugar levels
- Stress and mood regulation
Today, especially among youngsters, sleeping past midnight has become a growing trend. Work deadlines, entertainment, or other engagements keep them up at night. But even a day of sleep deprivation can wreak havoc in the body. A recent study by the American Association of Immunologists found that one day of sleep deprivation can alter your immune system and increase inflammation.Another 2025 study by the researchers at Uppsala University found that even a few nights with insufficient sleep promote molecular mechanisms linked toa greater risk of heart problems.
How to fix your sleep cycle?
Dr Thakur has shared some practical tips that can help you to fix your sleep cycle. Take a look.• Sleep before 11 pm, because your body’s natural rhythm depends on it.• Avoid caffeine after 4 pm• Reduce screen exposure 1 hour before bed.• Try magnesium-rich foods like bananas, nuts, spinach, and dark chocolate for better sleep quality.Dr Thakur reminded that one should prioritize sleep like your health depends on it. Why? Because it does. The next time you plan to pull an all-nighter, remember sleep is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental need of your body. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
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