The Sleep-Wake System
As stated in the Holy Quran: “And We made the night a garment and made the day for livelihood,” this verse emphasizes that the night is meant for tranquility and rest, while the day is designated for activity and work. Allah has created humans with an inherent inclination to sleep at night and engage in daily tasks during the day. A mere hour of nighttime sleep is far more restorative than several hours of daytime napping. Ideally, individuals should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Disruption to this natural rhythm can lead to significant harm to one’s health. This article explores the detrimental effects of staying up late on the human body.
Negative Effects of Staying Up Late on the Body
- Reduces Muscle Efficiency: Research conducted by physical education experts indicates that various bodily functions require strength, which peaks later in the day. Muscle efficiency begins to rise around 4 a.m. and remains elevated until 11 a.m., after which it gradually declines until approximately 3 p.m. This decline continues until 6 p.m., followed by a further drop from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Disrupts Immune Function: The immune system serves as the body’s first line of defense against diseases. Staying up late can lead to dysfunction in the immune system, rendering it less effective in combating illnesses. This occurs because the immune system operates on a cycle of wakefulness and sleep, and any disruption to this daily rhythm can result in confusion and chaos within the system.
- Causes Insomnia: Insomnia, or the inability to sleep, can severely impact a person’s health. If an individual experiences sleepless nights repeatedly, their physical strength may deteriorate, and cognitive functions can decline, making it difficult to focus.
- Leads to Spinal Deformities: Prolonged hours of wakefulness can contribute to spinal deformities, primarily due to incorrect sitting postures maintained for extended periods. Damage to the spine can result in muscular and vertebral issues, leading to curvature over time.
- Results in Poor Mental Health: Extended wakefulness leads to increased secretion of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland—a small gland in the brain comparable in size to a pine nut. This hormone regulates the body’s circadian rhythms and helps mitigate mental and emotional disturbances, which explains why prolonged wakefulness can result in feelings of anxiety, pessimism, and a tendency toward social isolation.