Archive · 12 Nov 2025
AIIMS Gastroenterologist Warns on Bedtime Habits Disrupting Gut-Brain Axis
Imagine your tummy and your brain are best friends who talk to each other all the time.
This is called the gut-brain axis.
Dr. Sethi says that things we do before bed can mess up this conversation.
Eating too close to bedtime, looking at your phone, or drinking coffee late can make your tummy and brain confused.
This confusion can lead to tummy troubles like bloating or feeling upset, and can also make you feel anxious or sad.
It's like telling your body it's daytime when it should be getting ready for sleep.
To help your tummy and brain stay friends, try to finish dinner a few hours before sleeping, put away your phone at least an hour before bed, and avoid caffeine in the afternoon.
Getting good sleep helps your gut feel better and makes you happier.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi warns that bedtime habits can disrupt the gut-brain axis.
Common culprits include eating late, excessive screen time, caffeine, and alcohol.
These habits interfere with sleep, disrupt gut microbial rhythms, and can lead to digestive issues and mood disorders.
Experts recommend finishing dinner 3 hours before bed, limiting screen time, and avoiding caffeine after 2 pm.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and reducing stress are crucial for gut health and overall well-being.
- Who
- Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, and Dr. Adithya V. Naragund, a GI & HPB surgeon
- What
- Explained how common bedtime habits disrupt the gut-brain axis, impacting digestion and mood.
- When
- Recently (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Information shared via Instagram video and an interview with indianexpress.com
- Why
- To educate the public on the link between sleep, gut health, and mental well-being.
- Expert
- Dr. Saurabh Sethi (Gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, Stanford)
- Key Issue
- Disruption of the gut-brain axis due to bedtime habits
- Harmful Habits
- Eating late, excessive screen time, caffeine after 2 pm, alcohol, irregular sleep, overheating, pre-sleep stress
- Consequences
- Reflux, poor sleep, microbial imbalance, inflammation, bloating, acidity, constipation, IBS, anxiety, low mood
- Recommendations
- Finish dinner 3 hours before bed, avoid screens 60 min before sleep, avoid caffeine after 2 pm, maintain consistent sleep schedule, natural light exposure, magnesium-rich foods, relaxing practices