Today, I must clarify a crucial question for you: exactly what time should you go to sleep to be healthy? Is it enough to simply "go to bed early and wake up early"? The answer might completely overturn your current understanding!

Our ancestors always said that going to bed early and waking up early is good for the body. However, a massive study recently published in the *European Heart Journal* followed over 80,000 people and divided them into four groups based on their bedtime: the first group tucked themselves in before 10:00 PM, the second group slept between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, the third group between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM, and the last group didn't go to sleep until after midnight.

After four years of tracking, the results revealed that individuals who go to sleep between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM have the lowest probability of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, earning this window the title of the "Golden Sleep Period." If you aren't asleep by 11:00 PM, it is officially considered staying up late; for those who don't sleep until after midnight—especially young people—the risk of sudden medical emergencies rises sharply!

The dangers of staying up late extend far beyond damaging the heart. Think about it: when you are scrolling through your phone or eating late-night snacks in the middle of the night, your gastrointestinal tract is forced to "work overtime" when it should be resting. Human organs get "hungry" at night, causing stomach acid to secrete frantically. Over time, the gastric mucosa is worn down like it's being repeatedly rubbed with sandpaper, leading to issues like gastritis, gastric ulcers, and acid reflux—it may even increase the risk of stomach cancer!

If you frequently experience stomach pain, bloating, acid reflux, or heartburn, do not delay—go to the hospital immediately for a check-up and proper treatment! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment; different symptoms require different prescriptions to effectively eradicate the root of the illness. If you are experiencing similar conditions, the first step is to examine your tongue manifestation. Send over a photo of your tongue coating along with your symptoms, and I will provide a free consultation to determine the general direction for your recovery.