Recently, the 120 emergency station in Huaishuling, Fengtai District, received a call: a college student was experiencing numbness in his limbs and panic, and urgently needed assistance. The team rushed to the scene, where they measured his blood pressure at 168/128 mmHg. After further inquiry, they learned that he had been staying up late for three consecutive days and had been getting less than three hours of sleep each night. The emergency crew immediately provided necessary treatment and transferred him to the nearest hospital for further care.

In today’s fast-paced society, young people often seem to have endless energy, but staying up late is like an invisible blade that silently threatens their health. Many are absorbed in the late-night world—whether working overtime, indulging in video games, or binge-watching dramas—unaware that staying up late is gradually eroding their well-being. The heart, as the body’s core engine, is the first to bear the brunt of these unhealthy habits. While working or having fun through the night, your heart is silently bearing a heavy burden.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that staying up late can cause heart discomfort. Chronic late nights deprive the body of essential rest, forcing the heart to keep working at full capacity. It’s like exhausted soldiers still holding the front line at their posts. Symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, and chest tightness can begin to appear frequently, acting as signals calling for help from the heart. You might suddenly feel your heart racing, or your chest might feel as though it's being crushed by a heavy rock without warning. These discomforts are not just temporary annoyances—they are serious warnings of potential long-term health risks.

High blood pressure often accompanies late nights. When young people should be resting and letting their bodies relax, they often choose to stay awake. This disrupts the body's natural circadian rhythm and blood pressure regulation. Prolonged sleepless nights keep blood vessels in a constant state of tension, gradually raising blood pressure. You might not notice the effects right away, but over time, the damage caused by high blood pressure will become apparent. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision can gradually interfere with daily life. Even more concerning, high blood pressure increases the risk of severe conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Here are some health tips from Beijing 120. Do not let staying up late become a regular part of your life. Do not ignore the warnings of heart discomfort or rising blood pressure. It is necessary to cherish each night’s sleep, allowing your body to rest and your heart to recover in peace. Only by doing so can you ensure a healthy body that’s ready to face future challenges and enjoy a better life. Let’s say goodbye to staying up late, protect our hearts and blood pressure, and take responsibility for our own health.