Sleep experts warn that going to bed before midnight has a major impact on sleep quality, productivity, and overall health.
The expression "an hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after it" is related to our biological rhythm, or circadian cycle, which signals the brain when it is time to sleep.
Sleeping before midnight helps the brain and body recover better, improving focus, memory, and mental health.
According to Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib, melatonin, the hormone that promotes sleep, is produced more when it gets dark and signals the body that it's time to sleep. The later we go to bed after this natural signal, the more our health and sleep cycle are damaged.
Other experts add that sleeping before midnight helps regulate routine, promotes healthy habits and physical exercise, and ensures optimal refreshment of the body and brain during the night.
Conversely, sleeping late after midnight can lead to chronic fatigue, thyroid problems, psychological disorders, and an increased risk of diabetes.
Going to bed early isn't always possible, but experts recommend trying to catch that "magic time" of sleep as often as possible.