The Harm of Exercising After Staying Up Late Staying up late can have negative effects on the body, especially when combined with exercise.
Lack of sleep disrupts the metabolic system and adds extra stress to the body. A study conducted by the University College London found that even with regular exercise, cognitive function declines faster in individuals who are sleep deprived.
The study followed 8,958 individuals aged 50 and above for 10 years to observe the effects of sleep and exercise habits on cognitive function.
It was found that regular exercise helps prevent cognitive decline with age, but this effect is weakened by lack of sleep. Individuals who exercise regularly but sleep less than 6 hours per day experience a faster decline in cognitive function.
Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg, the author of the study, suggests that regular exercise alone may not completely compensate for the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive health, and sufficient sleep is essential to reap the benefits of exercise.
Exercising after staying up late can worsen fatigue and diminish the effectiveness of the workout due to lowered concentration. It can also weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illness and infections.
Additionally, exercising in this state can cause cardiovascular stress, hormonal imbalance, and nervous system disorders.
Therefore, it is not advisable to rely on exercise to remedy the effects of staying up late. The best way to avoid harm is to prioritize getting enough sleep. However, for those who cannot avoid staying up, there are some methods to minimize the negative effects.
Increasing sleep duration in the days following staying up late, taking short naps, hydrating, consuming vitamins, having a nutritious breakfast, and engaging in light stretching exercises or massages can help alleviate fatigue and promote physical recovery.
It is important to wait until fully rested before engaging in low-intensity aerobic exercises, monitoring heart rate to ensure cardiovascular safety.
Using cold and hot towels on the face, adjusting breathing, and doing light body massage before exercising can improve blood circulation, revive the body's metabolism, and relieve mental stress and weakness caused by staying up late.