Zakir Khan, the celebrated comedian, has taken his fans on unforgettable emotional rollercoasters through his powerful storytelling and comedy. His talent has earned him spots on stages worldwide, making every Indian proud. However, after a decade of nonstop touring, Zakir recently announced a break. Extensive travel and the pressure to keep performing have affected his health.
His honest Instagram story revealed the toll that sleepless nights, packed schedules, and irregular meals have taken on his well-being, reminding everyone how important it is to prioritise health. To know how it may affect the human body, we reached out to Dr. Sridhar R, Senior Consultant, Interventional Pulmonology, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, explained why everyone needs to take care of themselves in the hustle bustle.
Why Did Zakir Khan Take A Break? ![mn - 2025-09-08T165726.953]( "why zakir khan took break")
In his Instagram story, Zakir Khan opened up honestly about how his decade-long tour schedule took a serious toll on his health. He expressed gratitude for the love from his fans but admitted that such extensive touring, juggling 2-3 shows per day, sleepless nights, early flights, and irregular meals had left him unwell for over a year. Although he loves being on stage, Zakir shared that he now needs to take a necessary break before things get worse.
The artist mentioned limiting cities on his upcoming India tour and not adding extra shows, followed by a longer break after recording a special. His transparent message emphasises the importance of listening to your body and prioritising well-being even amid passion and pressure.
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How Sleepless Nights Affect Health
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Sleepless nights are common among artists and frequent travellers. Here’s what happens to the body and mind:
- Disrupts the natural circadian rhythm, affecting hormone release.
- Impairs memory, concentration, and decision-making.
- Weakens the immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections.
- Increases risk of chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Causes mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
- Reduces physical recovery, leading to muscle fatigue and injuries.
Insomnia Side Effects
Dr. Sridhar explains, “Lack of sleep impacts every system in the body. Over time, consistent sleep deprivation can cause serious health problems, including weakened immunity and mental health challenges. It’s vital to prioritise sleep as part of self-care, especially for those with demanding careers.”
The Toll of Frequent Flying
Frequent travel disrupts the body’s equilibrium in many ways:
- Exposure to dry cabin air causing dehydration.
- Jet lag disrupting sleep and energy cycles.
- Irregular schedules are hindering consistent meal and exercise routines.
- Increased stress on cardiovascular system due to prolonged sitting and altitude changes.
- Higher risk of infections due to enclosed aircraft environment.
Dr. Sridhar highlights, “Regular flyers often accumulate travel fatigue. This can reduce energy levels, weaken immunity, and increase stress hormones. Proper hydration, movement during flights, and planned rest are essential to combat these effects.”
Tips to Handle the Toll of Frequent Flying
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- Flying often can really wear you down, but there are simple ways to stay healthier on the go:
- Drink plenty of water to beat dehydration from dry cabin air, and skip coffee or alcohol.
- Move around and stretch during the flight to keep your blood flowing and avoid stiffness.
- Try to eat on a regular schedule and choose nutritious snacks whenever you can.
- Plan for enough rest before and after flights to help fight jet lag and recover better.
- Wash your hands regularly and consider wearing a mask to reduce infection risks.
Impact of Irregular and Skipped Meals
According to Dr Sridhar, eating irregularly or skipping meals can have immediate and long-term effects:
- Blood sugar fluctuations leading to fatigue and cravings.
- Poor nutrient intake weakening overall health.
- Disrupted metabolism slows down energy use.
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux.
- Negative impact on mood and mental clarity.
According to Dr. XYZ, “Consistent meal timing helps maintain blood sugar balance and energy levels. Skipping meals stresses the body and can lead to overeating later. Balanced nutrition is the foundation of good health, especially for those under physical and mental strain.”
Tips to Manage Irregular and Skipped Meals
- Try to eat small, balanced meals or snacks every 3-4 hours to keep your blood sugar steady.
- Prep easy-to-carry healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, or yogurt for busy days.
- Don’t skip breakfast as it kickstarts your metabolism for the day.
- Drink water regularly; sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.
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Conclusion
Zakir Khan’s brave health update opens a window to the high demands that come with a public life filled with travel and performance. Sleepless nights, frequent flying, and irregular meals can deeply affect well-being if ignored. His story is a reminder that prioritizing health is not a luxury but a necessity. Professionals in all fields can learn from this and make small but vital changes to protect their health amidst busy lives.