The Most Dangerous Time to Sleep …Doctor Warns It Could Cause 4 Health Problems
Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about the ideal time to go to bed. In our fast-paced, always-connected world, sleep often takes a backseat to work, family, and screens. As a result, our bedtimes shift depending on daily demands, and we fall asleep at inconsistent hours.
But according to sleep science—and physicians like Dr. Saurabh Sethi—when you sleep may be just as important as how much you sleep.
Your Internal Clock Doesn’t Like Late Nights
Your body runs on an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which is closely tied to light and darkness. This rhythm influences everything from hormone production to digestion and mental clarity.
When you regularly go to bed late, especially after midnight, you throw off that natural timing. It might seem harmless, especially if you still sleep for 7–9 hours, but research shows your body misses out on some of its most important biological recovery processes.
What Doctors Like Dr. Sethi Are Noticing
Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist based in California, has seen a pattern in his patients: increasing digestive issues, mood changes, and hormonal imbalances—and poor sleep habits are often at the root.
“People are staying up too late, and their bodies are struggling to keep up,” he explains.
“Sleep timing impacts everything from hormone regulation to gut function.”
Why Sleep Timing Is a Biological Powerhouse
During deep sleep—especially earlier in the night—your body repairs tissue, produces growth hormone, and strengthens the immune system. Meanwhile, your brain uses this time to clear out waste and reset for the next day. Disrupting this rhythm can impair both physical and mental health over time.
A 2017 meta-analysis of over 300,000 people found that sleeping 7–9 hours on a regular schedule lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease. But the benefits dropped sharply if sleep patterns were inconsistent or pushed too late into the night.
Midnight May Be the Worst Time to Fall Asleep
“If you’re regularly falling asleep after midnight, your body is likely missing its most crucial rest period,” Dr. Sethi warns.
Here’s why:
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