Considering smartphones have become so commonplace, it is no surprise to hear about people scrolling their phones late into the night. While they may only worry about dark circles, Dr. Dinesh Thakur, a bariatric and metabolic surgeon, says there’s more.
In his latest Instagram post, he wrote, "All of you will NEVER sleep late again after knowing this… Sleeping late isn’t just about dark circles, it silently damages your health in ways you never imagined.” He listed some of the negative ways in which using a cellphone till 2 am impacts your health.
Also read: How processed foods influence the gut microbiome: Doctor explains
Effects of late-night scrolling:
Weight Gain: The surgeon shared that sleeping late disrupts hunger hormones, making you indulge in unhealthy eating, eventually leading to belly fat. This is particularly not good for those who want to lose weight.
Hormonal Imbalance: Poor sleep is known to have many adverse effects on health, and one of them is creating hormonal imbalance, leading to lower metabolism and increased cortisol levels.
Diabetes Risk: Exercising restraint and preventive measures are better than medication. Sharing another potential health risk, Dr. Thakur added that irregular sleep affects insulin sensitivity, increasing the chances of diabetes.
Heart Health: Cardiovascular health has gained even more importance now, and the surgeon added, “Consistently late nights increase blood pressure and strain the heart.”
Mental Health: While it is important to take care of your body, your mind requires as much attention. “Anxiety, irritability, and brain fog are direct results of late-night habits,” he said, emphasising the importance of sleeping on time.
Chronic Fatigue: It has often been emphasised that proper rest and having a proper sleep-wake cycle are essential for the body to function properly. The surgeon said, “No matter how much coffee you drink, your body can’t recover without deep sleep.”
“Stop scrolling till 2 am. Start sleeping on time, and you’ll notice better weight control, energy, and overall health,” he concluded.
How to avoid scrolling before bedtime
Establishing a bedtime routine: Setting bedtime rituals like a fixed time for sleep helps in getting your body used to the rhythm without feeling the need to reach for your phone.
Using relaxation techniques: To distract your mind from your phone, indulge in techniques that help you relax. It could be listening to music, reading a book, doing skincare, taking a shower, among others.
Set non-screen time: It’s best to set the number of hours you use popular apps and avoid exceeding the time limit. It also helps to keep your phone out of reach, as this reduces the urge to pick it up every now and then.
FAQs about late night scrolling
1. Why is scrolling late at night harmful?
Scrolling late at night disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to health issues like weight gain, hormonal imbalance, increased diabetes risk, heart problems, mental health issues, and chronic fatigue.
2. How does late-night phone use affect weight?
Late-night phone use disrupts hunger hormones, leading to unhealthy eating habits and belly fat.
3. What are the mental health effects of scrolling late at night?
Late-night phone use can cause anxiety, irritability, and brain fog.
4. How can I avoid scrolling before bedtime?
Establish a bedtime routine, use relaxation techniques, and set non-screen time to avoid late-night scrolling.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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