Do you wake up around noon regularly, be it because of working late at night or just due to habits? Though sleeping in may seem harmless, experts warn that consistently doing so for months can quietly disrupt your body's natural rhythm and overall well-being.
In a report by the Indian Express, Dr Manjusha Agarwal to the Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, said, the human body works in accordance with a circadian rhythm-an inner 24-hour clock that governs sleep, hormones, metabolism, and alertness. Sleeping late and then waking up around noon for an extended period can shift or even disturb this rhythm.
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Dr Agarwal also said that if somebody still gets 7–9 hours of sleep but goes to bed very late, they may face something known as social jetlag - difficulty aligning with regular daytime activities. This might further cause poor morning alertness, inability to concentrate, and sluggishness during normal working hours.
The health costs of sleeping late
Chronic late sleeping reduces exposure to natural morning light, which is an important cue to the body clock. This, Dr Agarwal says, may weaken circadian entrainment and, in turn, affect mood, raise fatigue, and increase the risk of depressive symptoms.
Changes in routine also play a role. People who sleep till noon often end up eating late, exercising less, and snacking at night, she explained. These habits can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, and disturbed appetite hormones. Long or irregular sleep leads to low-grade inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk, though the mechanisms are complex.
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Other consequences you might miss
Spending much of the morning indoors restricts access to sunlight, which in turn reduces vitamin D levels. Social relationships could become strained over time from such a pattern, or it could make it more difficult to establish a consistent routine, the report says. "If sleeping till noon is accompanied by low mood, daytime sleepiness, or poor functioning, then consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary," Dr Agarwal recommended.
Simple ways to reset your schedule
Adopting small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference. Dr Agarwal suggests morning light exposure, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene, along with a balanced diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate weight loss if overweight, and adequate hydration, can also help restore energy and mood balance.
