- Experts Warn Sleep Deprivation
- Health Outweighs Productivity Myths
- Body Clocks Differ Naturally
- The Early Wake-Up Craze
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Across social media, early rising at 5 AM is widely promoted as a pathway to success. High-profile corporate leaders and athletes are often cited as examples. As a result, many young professionals attempt to replicate this routine by cutting down on sleep. However, medical experts caution that such practices may carry serious health consequences.
Experts Raise Red Flags
Sleep specialist Michael Breus, based in California, has openly criticised the 5 AM trend. He has described forced early waking without adequate sleep as harmful rather than beneficial. According to him, blindly imitating celebrity routines ignores individual biological needs. Consequently, chronic fatigue and cognitive dullness may follow.
The Role of Genetics
Every individual, experts explain, has a biologically determined body clock known as a chronotype. Some people are naturally alert early in the morning, while others function better later in the day. Studies indicate that a majority of the global population falls into a middle category, reaching peak productivity only after mid-morning. Therefore, imposing a uniform wake-up time is considered unrealistic.
Health Risks of Sleep Loss
Inadequate sleep weakens the immune system over time. Medical research links sleep deprivation to higher risks of heart disease, hypertension, depression, and cognitive decline. Meanwhile, mental health concerns tend to intensify when rest is consistently compromised. Specialists emphasise that sleep is a biological necessity, not a habit that can be overridden at will.
Natural Sleep Is Essential
According to Russell Foster of University of Oxford, sleep should occur naturally and without force. He notes that healthy sleep is as instinctive as other basic human needs. Artificially interrupting this process, he argues, disrupts the body’s internal balance.
Productivity Under Pressure
Although early waking is often linked to higher productivity, evidence suggests otherwise. When sleep is insufficient, decision-making slows and efficiency declines. Moreover, compensating by oversleeping on weekends can disturb the body clock further. Therefore, consistent and adequate rest remains central to sustained performance.
Adapting Healthier Habits
Doctors recommend avoiding caffeine late in the day and limiting alcohol before bedtime. Screen exposure close to sleep time is also discouraged. In addition, physical exercise is advised earlier in the day rather than at night, as late workouts may delay sleep onset.
Listening to the Body
Ultimately, experts agree that success does not require sacrificing sleep. Individuals are advised to align sleep schedules with their natural rhythms and aim for seven to eight hours of rest daily. By respecting the body’s needs, both health and productivity can be preserved over the long term.
