Regularly staying up late can lead to kidney problems. But how late into the night can it start to harm this vital organ? (Minh, 30, Ho Chi Minh City)
Answer:
Many young people today have habits that “reverse their biological clock,” which can silently damage kidney function—one of the most crucial organs for filtering blood, detoxifying the body, and maintaining homeostasis.
Traditional medicine explains that the body functions according to the principle of “heaven and man in unity,” meaning that physiological activities are closely linked to the natural biological rhythm of the day. In this system, the kidneys are believed to be most active between 5-7 p.m.
From a modern physiological perspective, the kidneys continuously filter blood 24/7. However, their ability to regenerate and repair kidney cells increases significantly at night, especially between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m., when the body enters its deep sleep stages.
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A woman lying in bed while using mobile phone. Illustration photo by Pexels |
Therefore, staying up past 11 p.m. not only disrupts the kidney’s cell recovery process but also leads to imbalances in hormones and blood pressure, as well as disruptions in the body’s biological rhythm. Over time, these factors indirectly
damage the kidneys
.
Studies show that people who stay up past 11 p.m. regularly and sleep less than six hours a night face a higher risk of kidney problems, such as proteinuria (protein in the urine), progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic issues related to blood pressure and blood sugar—both of which are key risk factors for kidney failure.
A study published in the
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
also found that people who sleep less than six hours a night experience a faster decline in glomerular filtration rate compared to those who sleep between seven and eight hours.
The kidneys are a “silent” organ, meaning that by the time noticeable symptoms appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage. It is essential to take proactive steps to prevent kidney disease, especially in a time when unhealthy lifestyles are becoming more common.
Dr. Le Nhat Duy
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City’s hospital
