latenight

Late night is the period after the evening hours, typically beginning around 11:00 PM and ending before dawn. The exact hours vary by country and local customs, and night-time shifts can begin earlier or end later. In everyday use, late night denotes activities that occur after most people have completed their daytime routines, including entertainment, socializing, and work.

In media, late-night refers to a programming block and genre centered on talk shows, music, news summaries, and comedy produced for adult audiences. In many countries, the late-night talk show tradition began in the mid-20th century and has evolved with streaming platforms. Content is often tailored to urban and night-time lifestyles, and broadcasts may shift to overnight or online formats when necessary.

Retail and services also operate late at night, particularly in large cities or urban centers. Some venues stay open until early morning, and others offer 24-hour service. Night shifts and overnight logistics are a major component of many industries, including hospitality, healthcare, transportation, and media.

From a health perspective, late-night activity can affect sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Prolonged or irregular late-night schedules are associated with sleep debt and daytime impairment, although individual tolerance and chronotype vary. Culturally, late-night hours have shaped nightlife, music scenes, and urban economies, and the term "latenight" is often used in branding and digital contexts to convey immediacy or after-hours offerings.