Heart surgeon shares 4 key habits to avoid for overall wellbeing after 40: Skipping sleep might be harming your health

Published on: Sep 19, 2025, 09:10:41 IST

By Eshana Saha

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Maintaining your health after hitting 40s is essential and Dr London has shared 4 tips you should know about. (Pexel)

Entering your 40 could be challenging since it means you need to take extra care of your health - Dr Jeremy London has shared 4 habits you should be mindful of.

Crossing 40 is often seen as a turning point for health. While aging is inevitable, small lifestyle choices can make a big difference in how well we navigate the years ahead. From the way we rest to the company we keep, simple habits can either support or undermine long-term well-being.

Also Read | Cardiologist says ‘even 20 minute brisk walk helps’; shares warning signs and lifestyle habits to prevent heart problems

Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 25 years of clinical experience, has outlined four key habits to avoid for maintaining overall well-being after the age of 40. In an Instagram video posted on September 19, the heart surgeon suggested practical lifestyle changes that can make a lasting difference to health as we age.

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A post shared by Jeremy London, MD (@drjeremylondon)

Alcohol

Alcohol might be a widespread social lubricant, but Dr London warns that it is toxic to every cell in the body. It is a socially acceptable form of poison that the heart surgeon recommends cutting out since, “If you really want to set the stage for yourself long term, limit or remove alcohol.” He acknowledges the fact that it is hard to ditch alcohol since it is everywhere - however, it is a personal choice and he recommends being mindful about how much you consume.

Smoking and vaping

Dr London strongly recommends quitting both smoking and vaping, not only after 40, but at all ages. According to the cardiovascular surgeon, “It increases your risk of lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke,” hence his standing instruction is “Don't vape. Don't smoke.”

Sleep deprivation

The heart surgeon advises against trading sleep for other activities. It is difficult but getting adequate sleep is essential in order to be able to perform daily activities. Dr London points out, “Recovery is so important throughout our lives, but it's really important as we get older.”

Also Read | Cardiologist warns coffee could raise your cholesterol: Are French press, Turkish coffee, boiled espresso safe brews?

Toxic people

Dr London says that cutting our toxic people and ending toxic relationships is important for mental well-being and for reducing stress, especially after 40. Instead, he recommends focusing on relationships with people you love and care about, and nurturing those bonds.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eshana Saha
Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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