Consequences of staying up late and working at night.

In today's fast-paced modern life, many young people choose or are forced to stay up late and work at night as a matter of course. However, few realize the long-term, insidious consequences of this habit on their physical and mental health and quality of life.

Typically, people aged 18-35 often stay up after midnight, mostly due to work, studies, or personal leisure activities. Certain professions, such as healthcare , information technology, security, manufacturing, and hospitality, inevitably require working at night. However, what is worrying is that more and more people are choosing lifestyles that go against their biological clock.

Maintaining a habit of staying up late for extended periods can easily lead to circadian rhythm disorders, chronic insomnia, reduced immunity, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity; seriously affecting mental health (anxiety, depression, difficulty recovering energy), and over time reducing work performance and quality of life.

According to numerous studies, one of the most noticeable consequences of staying up late is sleep disorders or prolonged sleep deprivation, leading to impaired memory, decreased work performance, and mental fatigue. Mr. NT (residing in Long Xuyen City, working in the IT field) shared: “When I first graduated and started working, due to the nature of my job, I almost always worked through the night. Each night, I slept a maximum of about two hours, and many nights I stayed awake all night. Partly because I found working late more effective. To stay alert, I drank a lot of coffee. After a while, my health suddenly deteriorated, and I suffered from severe stomach pain requiring treatment. After that, I adjusted my work and rest schedule to be more reasonable, ensuring my health and long-term work performance.”

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The period from 11 PM to 3 AM is the "golden hour" for the liver to perform its detoxification function. If people remain active during this time, the liver cannot work efficiently, leading to a buildup of toxins over time, and the digestive system will also suffer negative consequences. Many studies have shown a link between sleep deprivation and psychological disorders. For professions requiring high alertness, such as medicine, driving, and machinery operation, sleep deprivation and lack of alertness can have serious consequences.

Undeniably, staying up late can sometimes improve work efficiency or extend personal leisure time. However, in the long run, work performance gradually decreases, creativity and problem-solving abilities are affected. The brain becomes fatigued, reflexes slow, decisions are inaccurate, and it becomes difficult to maintain consistent work performance.

Young people can proactively "minimize damage" by establishing a scientific work and rest schedule, ensuring both work performance and good health. Nguyen Le Vy (residing in Long Xuyen City) shared: "I often bring work home to meet deadlines. Instead of staying up late, I choose to wake up early to work. Typically, I work past 10 PM, then go to bed, and wake up early at 4 AM to work again. This way, I feel alert, my work meets requirements, and in the long run, it doesn't affect my health."

Sleep is a process of rest that helps the body recover completely, both physically and mentally. Getting enough sleep is the right way to live healthily, work effectively, and maintain energy for a long time. To have a good night's sleep, you should limit the use of electronic devices before bedtime, avoid substances that disrupt sleep, and refrain from eating late at night; light exercise helps the body relax and sleep more soundly.

Those who are required to work night shifts need to establish a reasonable lifestyle, such as: getting enough sleep during the day, eating on time, exercising, and resting regularly to regenerate energy. Listening to your body, maintaining a natural circadian rhythm, and prioritizing sleep is a wise investment in your health. If you experience prolonged insomnia, chronic fatigue, or cognitive decline, you should seek advice and treatment from a specialist to avoid the condition progressing into a serious sleep disorder.

MY LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/he-luy-thuc-khuya-lam-viec-dem-a420365.html