The physiological activities of the body follow certain rules, and so do diseases. Below are some common ailments that tend to manifest at night, potentially threatening the lives and health of patients.
Heart Valve Stenosis and Regurgitation
Observations of individuals with heart valve stenosis and regurgitation have revealed that these conditions exhibit specific changes after midnight. The least dangerous period is from 5 AM to 2 PM.
The most dangerous time is from midnight to 1 AM. This is because during sleep, the brain can become agitated, leading to elevated blood pressure, rapid breathing, and a racing heart, causing the patient to feel fatigued and experience sharp pain.
From 7 PM to 9 PM marks the second peak of disease onset during the day, occurring after dinner. The main causes are often related to overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, or strenuous activity.
According to medical advice, patients should take heart medication before going to bed.
Asthma
![]() |
(Illustrative Image: palestinercs) |
This condition frequently exacerbates at night, particularly around midnight. This is due to the heightened reactivity of the respiratory system during this time. The air at night is dry, and the excitability of the nervous system controlling the trachea is also increased.
Patients with asthma often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and an inability to lie still, necessitating sitting up.
Currently, internists use Atropine as a preventive measure against nighttime breathlessness for patients. Clinical practice shows that patients taking this medication at 10 PM continuously for about three days find that 50% no longer experience nighttime breathlessness.
Some individuals may still experience symptoms, but the severity of their condition has significantly decreased.
Leg Numbness
This condition is commonly seen in older adults aged 65 and above. The symptoms include a sensation of numbness in the calves and a tingling feeling as if ants are crawling, followed by itching and coldness, causing the patient considerable discomfort and poor sleep quality.
The duration of the ailment can be prolonged. Patients who are complacent about treatment may experience worsening symptoms over time. To alleviate this condition, soaking the feet in warm water before bed can improve blood circulation. Medications to reduce blood vessel constriction and sedatives may also be used.
Stroke
This condition often affects older adults with arteriosclerosis. Clinical studies indicate that stroke symptoms typically manifest at night. Mild cases may result in dizziness, while severe cases can lead to facial drooping.
Numerous scientific studies indicate that the primary causes of stroke are arteriosclerosis and high cholesterol levels in the blood.
For individuals with arteriosclerosis, regular blood tests should be conducted. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid high-sugar foods for dinner, as these can increase blood fat levels. Evening meals should ideally include foods rich in albumin.
Doctors also warn about other ailments that commonly occur at night, such as shoulder inflammation, arthritis, toothache, and fever. By understanding the patterns of these diseases, we can identify appropriate preventive measures.