Billionaire Bryan Johnson Has A Message For Indian Techie Bragging About Working Till 4 AM

Updated May 29, 2025 | 12:38 PM IST

SummaryJohnson explained the physiological cost of burning the midnight oil: a 30% reduction in brain oxygen, suppression of melatonin due to blue light, disrupted deep sleep, and impaired insulin sensitivity the next day.
Billionaire Bryan Johnson Has A Message For Indian Techie Bragging About Working Till 4 AM

Late-night hustle culture may still be glorified in some corners of the tech world, but not everyone is buying into it—especially not billionaire entrepreneur and longevity advocate Bryan Johnson. The 46-year-old tech mogul, known for his extreme anti-ageing lifestyle, recently called out an Indian software engineer who boasted on social media about working until 4 a.m. "It's 4 AM, guys, but builders are building. What’s your excuse?” the programmer posted on X (formerly Twitter), celebrating his grind.

Johnson, however, wasn't impressed. "It may feel heroic," he replied, “but you’re spending down your human capacity.” He went on to explain the physiological cost of burning the midnight oil: a 30% reduction in brain oxygen, suppression of melatonin due to blue light, disrupted deep sleep, and impaired insulin sensitivity the next day. “The missed sleep raises cortisol, increases visceral fat, and decays memory,” Johnson added. His critique struck a nerve, triggering a wave of agreement from other users on the platform.

"No good code is being written at 4 a.m. and ruining your morning focus—the best focus of the day,” one commenter noted. Another wrote, “Whatever they are building now by staying awake will be built by an AI agent in 10 minutes, five years from now. What’s the point?" A third user summed it up bluntly: “The excuse is to feel good, rest, be healthy, and make better decisions.”

Man Behind The Mission

Johnson is not your average tech mogul. Best known for founding Braintree (later acquired by PayPal) and Kernel, a company developing brain-machine interfaces, he has poured millions into an audacious personal experiment: to slow, and possibly reverse, ageing.

Through what he calls Project Blueprint, Johnson adheres to a meticulous regimen involving diet, exercise, and sleep optimisation. He follows strict health protocols, including unconventional methods like plasma transfusions from his teenage son—a procedure that has sparked both fascination and ethical debate.

In a recent post on X, Johnson shared his detailed morning routine, which begins at 4:30 a.m. and lasts until 10 a.m. His day starts with monitoring his inner ear temperature, applying a custom "BP hair serum," and donning a red light cap. He then exposes himself to 10,000 lux of light to reset his circadian rhythm.

Breakfast is a carefully curated "Longevity Mix" consisting of protein, collagen, extra virgin olive oil, and antioxidant-rich berries, followed by a personalised supplement stack. His morning workout includes strength training, flexibility drills, balance exercises, and either Zone 2 cardio or high-intensity intervals. Johnson’s message is clear: productivity shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term health. In his eyes, sacrificing sleep to meet deadlines is not a badge of honour—it’s a sign of unsustainable living. As more voices from the tech community question the glorification of burnout culture, Johnson’s warning serves as a timely reminder: no innovation is worth your health.

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Harvard Psychologist Lists Careers Linked To Higher Rates Of Suicide: Doctors Maybe At High Risk Themselves

Updated Sep 17, 2025 | 06:52 PM IST

SummaryWe lose more and more people to suicide every year. Being named one of the leading reasons for death, it is a topic that most people shy away from. However, this Harvard doctor says otherwise. In a podcast interview, Dr. Matthew Nock speaks on suicide and people who are at risk for it.

(Credit- Canva)

Suicides are one of the leading causes of death around the world. While it is easy to say that the person who chose to take their lives did it of their own violation, Harvard psychologist Dr. Matthew Nock, explains the other side. “90% of people who try and kill themselves say, I didn't want to die per se. I wanted to escape from seemingly intolerable.” Speaking on the On Purpose podcast with Jay Shetty, Dr. Nock pointed out that the link between work pressure and suicidal thoughts varies by race and ethnicity.

The concerning rise in suicide cases tied to work pressure has fueled a social media conversation about toxic work culture. What was once considered a normal part of the professional grind is now being openly challenged, as people share personal stories of the anxiety, depression, and isolation caused by unhealthy work environments.

What Professions Are At High Risk Of Suicide?

According to Dr. Matthew Nock, certain careers are linked to a higher risk of suicide.

Police Officers

He noted that physicians and police officers are among those at high risk. He mentioned a spike in suicides among New York City police officers, who are predominantly white men, and shared that female police officers, in particular, face a higher risk, even when accounting for factors like age, race, and ethnicity.

According to a 2025 study published in the Police Practice and Research, on average, 21.4 out of every 100,000 officers died by suicide each year.

The study showed that the suicide rate was much higher for male officers (22.7 per 100,000) than for female officers (12.7 per 100,000).

Physicians

Dr. Nock explained that access to means is a significant factor in these high-risk professions, which helps explain why physicians, police officers, and military members have a much higher risk of suicide compared to others.

Another study published in 2024 The BMJ, showed that the number of suicides among doctors has been going down, female doctors are still at a much higher risk than other people.

When looking at all the data, male doctors were found to have a 5% higher risk of suicide compared to the general population.

In a more recent analysis of the last few years, the overall suicide rate for doctors has decreased, which is good news. But even with this improvement, female doctors still have a 24% higher risk than the general public.

Why We Need To Talk More About Suicide

Dr. Nock stresses the importance of openly discussing suicide, particularly in schools. He compared it to fire drills or earthquake preparedness, saying that since 15% of people will experience suicidal thoughts, it's crucial to equip everyone with a safety plan..Dr. Matthew Nock said, "We know that asking about suicide, talking about suicide, does not make people suicidal."

He noted that the people who act on suicidal thoughts often show different signs than those who just have the thoughts. While depression is a strong predictor of having suicidal thoughts, other factors like anxiety, aggressiveness, poor behavioral control, and drug or alcohol use are more closely linked to a person actually attempting suicide.

He believes that a small educational module on suicide in health class could help save lives by teaching people what to do if they or someone they know is struggling.

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'You’ve Been Pooping Wrong All Your Life' According To Harvard Gut Doctor, 3 Mistakes That Harm Your Health

Updated Sep 17, 2025 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryUsing the washroom to relieve yourself and move your bowels is one of the easiest activity that keeps our gut healthy. But do you know how your poop can affect your health as well? This gut doctor revealed that making these mistakes when you are pooping could change your health all together?
'You’ve Been Pooping Wrong All Your Life' According To Harvard Gut Doctor, 3 Mistakes That Harm Your Health

(Credit- Canva)

Maintaining our gut health is not as easy as it seems. Even things like how you do your bowel movements could reveal how healthy your gut actually is. According to Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a board-certified gastroenterologist, many of us are making common mistakes on the toilet that can lead to real health problems. Here are three crucial habits to change to improve your gut health. Here are three mistakes' people make will they are in the washroom.

3 Bathroom Mistakes You Are Making

Stop Straining

Pushing or straining when you poop can cause serious issues like hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in your rectum and anus, and anal fissures, which are small tears in the lining of your anus. In more severe cases, it can even lead to rectal prolapse, where part of the rectum slides out of the anus. Instead of forcing it, focus on taking deep breaths. This helps your abdominal muscles relax and allows your body to do its job naturally, reducing the risk of painful complications.

Put Down Your Phone

Scrolling on your phone while on the toilet can be a bad habit. Spending extra time on the toilet, even if you’re not straining, puts pressure on the delicate veins in your rectum. This can cause them to swell, significantly increasing your risk of hemorrhoids. To protect yourself, it’s best to keep your bathroom breaks short—ideally, under five minutes.

Don't Ignore the Urge

When you feel the need to poop, it's important not to hold it in, which makes it much more difficult to pass later, leading to and worsening constipation. When you feel the need to go, listen to your body. Holding it in causes your stool to get harder and drier, which makes constipation much worse and more painful later on. Train your gut to go when it says it's time.

Simple Ways To Improve Your Bowel Movements

Go at the Same Time Each Day

Try to create a routine. If you're often straining without success, try sitting on the toilet about 30-60 minutes after a meal, when your colon is naturally more active. A little stretching or a short walk beforehand can also help things get moving.

Use a Stool for Your Feet

The natural position for a bowel movement is squatting. You can mimic this position on a regular toilet by placing a small stool under your feet to raise your knees above your hips. This simple change helps your muscles relax and can make bowel movements easier and more complete.

Focus on Fiber and Fluids

Fiber is essential for creating soft stool that's easy to pass. Most adults should aim for 25 to 35 grams a day. Just remember to add it to your diet slowly. As you increase your fiber, be sure to drink more water and other non-caffeinated fluids, since caffeine can dehydrate you and make stool harder.

When to Seek Help

While these tips are a great starting point, sometimes you need more personalized help. You should talk to your doctor if you notice any of these signs:

  • A recent, unexplained change in your bowel habits
  • Blood in your stool
  • Unexplained stomach pain
  • A pelvic health physical therapist can also provide a full evaluation and create a personalized plan to improve your bowel health.

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5 Heart Attack Warning Signs Women Often Overlook, Blaming Menopause

Health and Me

Updated Sep 17, 2025 | 06:14 PM IST

SummaryMany people think heart attacks strike without warning, but research shows that women often experience symptoms weeks in advance. The challenge is that these early signs can resemble common menopausal changes, leading to confusion. To help you tell the difference, we’ve broken down the key details you need to know.
5 Heart Attack Warning Signs Women Often Overlook, Blaming Menopause

Credits: Canva

Menopause marks the natural end of menstruation and fertility in people assigned female at birth. This transition usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels fluctuate.

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among women, yet its warning signs are often overlooked or mistaken for menopause symptoms. Fatigue, hot flashes, or shortness of breath, for example, can mask underlying heart issues, causing many women to miss early warning signals.

To understand why this confusion happens and what to watch for, we spoke with Dr Asha Rani V., Assistant Professor at SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, who shared her insights on recognising the signs of heart trouble in women.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the stage in life when a woman’s periods stop and natural fertility ends. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later in some cases, as per National Institutes of Health.

Before periods fully stop, oestrogen levels begin to decline, a phase known as perimenopause. Women may start experiencing menopausal symptoms during perimenopause, even if their periods have not completely ceased.

Because of these hormonal changes, women between the ages of 45 and 50 are at a higher risk for heart-related issues, including heart attacks.

ALSO READ: Strong Babies, Weak Bones? Does Breastfeeding Actually Cause Women To Lose Bone Density?

Early Warning Symptoms of Heart Attack Often Mistaken for Menopause

Dr Rani explains that menopause and heart attacks can share certain symptoms, which is why many women may confuse one for the other. While chest discomfort, fatigue, or restlessness might seem like normal menopausal changes, they can sometimes signal something more serious. The key lies in how these symptoms appear, whether they are sudden, severe, or occur in combination.

Common overlapping symptoms include:

  • Chest discomfort or tightness
  • Sudden, unexplained fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Night sweats or hot flashes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or indigestion
  • General body or muscle aches
  • Feelings of anxiety or restlessness

Are Menopause Symptoms the Same as Heart Attack Symptoms?

During perimenopause and menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55, hormonal shifts can trigger a variety of changes in the body. Some of these, like chest discomfort, fatigue, or palpitations, overlap with early signs of a heart attack, which makes them easy to misread.

Dr Rani explains that oestrogen plays a key role in protecting the heart by regulating cholesterol levels and supporting flexible, healthy blood vessels. “Oestrogen naturally helps reduce the buildup of fat in the arteries and keeps blood vessels healthy. When estrogen levels fall, it can lead to higher cholesterol, rising blood pressure, and weight gain, all of which increase the risk of heart disease,” she notes.

ALSO READ: Ebola Outbreak Update: Vaccines Continue To Arrive As Congo Yet Again Becomes Disease Hotspot

Can Menopause Cause a Heart Attack?

Menopause itself isn’t a direct cause of heart attacks, but it is a turning point when women become more vulnerable to heart conditions. The loss of hormonal protection, combined with lifestyle factors, makes the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke higher. Experts stress that menopause should serve as a wake-up call, not only for reproductive health, but also for cardiovascular health.

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