Many people stay awake all night, often spending time on social media or OTT platforms. The impact of staying up late goes beyond sleep troubles, affecting health directly. The habit of staying awake late, starting from childhood to adults, has become prevalent due to the influence of mobile phones in our lives, leading to increased screen time and potential addiction. Sleep deprivation can result in various health issues, and those who do not stay up at night may become vulnerable to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and night eating syndrome.

The Risk of Diabetes Due to Staying Awake at Night

Until 30 years ago, diabetes was primarily associated with old age. However, now even the youth fall victim to this disease, and one of the significant reasons is their lifestyle.

A 2018 study on general diabetes care found that people who stay awake late into the night are at a higher risk of diabetes compared to those who maintain regular sleep patterns. Staying awake at night affects metabolism, leading to insulin resistance in the body.

High Blood Pressure Can Result from Not Staying Awake at Night

Avoiding staying awake at night can lead to high blood pressure. When one doesn’t stay up at night, energy levels drop, mood swings begin, and digestive issues may arise. The lack of staying awake can contribute to laziness, making individuals prone to obesity, directly impacting the heart. A study on general hypertension has also highlighted this connection, indicating that those who sleep 7 to 8 hours have a lower risk of developing such problems.

Night Eating Syndrome Can Develop

Ruchi Jain, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital in Delhi, explains that people who do not stay awake at night or suffer from insomnia may experience night cravings, known as Night Eating Syndrome. Identifying the cause behind this habit is crucial for improvement.

Unhealthy Eating Habits at Night Can Lead to Various Diseases

Some people do not eat properly during the day, resulting in hunger late at night. If proper nutrition is not maintained throughout the day, skipping lunch and having a light dinner, a person is likely to feel hungry in the middle of the night, leading to disturbed sleep. To avoid late-night hunger, it is essential to have a balanced diet during the day and consume enough protein. Those with the habit of late-night snacking tend to eat chips or ice cream while watching movies or web series, which is not suitable for health. Munching late at night is not good for overall health. If you feel hungry at night, you can have saffron, papaya, 6-7 dry fruits, fox nuts, 1 cup of milk, or 1 cup of green tea or chamomile tea.

Night Eating Disorder Affects Many

Night Eating Syndrome affects 1 in 100 individuals. The habit of eating late at night does not only disrupt the circadian rhythm but also contributes to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. People suffering from this disorder often consume processed foods, leading to fatty liver issues.

Stress Doesn’t Only Cause Insomnia but Also Increases Eating

When a person is stressed, they often lose their appetite, but some tend to eat more. Stress leads to the release of cortisol, the stress hormone, which alters hormone levels during the night, causing sleep disturbances. In such situations, individuals tend to gain weight due to increased food intake.

Avoid Sweet Items at Night to Stay Healthy

People suffering from mental stress or eating disorders often crave 25% more food at night than during the day. At night, they desire high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich, and sugary foods intensely. Those who consume chocolates, cookies, or any sweets at night fall into a cycle of craving. It is advisable to avoid sweets at night because they disturb the cycle of staying awake at night.

In conclusion, maintaining a balanced diet throughout the day, avoiding excessive screen time at night, and addressing stress are crucial for overall health and well-being. Developing healthy nighttime habits can contribute to better sleep quality and reduced risks of various health issues.