Scientists have changed their minds about lie-ins again and we’re exhausted
It’s Saturday morning, it’s been a long week, and you deserve a lie-in. But should you steal those extra 40 winks?
For years, scientists have suggested disrupting your sleep routine on a weekend simply throws your whole schedule off-kilter, making the problem worse. Instead, you should get up close to normal time and just deal with it.
Thankfully, a new study is now arguing the opposite, suggesting not only is it fine to use the weekend to ‘catch up’ on sleep, but that those who do are less likely to experience symptoms of depression.
Researchers in China analysed data from more than 8,000 people to assess what effects a weekend lie-in had on them. They found those who had an extra hour or two in bed were significantly less likely to suffer from depression compared to those who had no extra sleep – or even less sleep than normal.
Writing in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the team from Central South University said: ‘This discovery on the treatment and prevention of depression provides a new perspective.
‘Depression is a prevalent chronic mental disorder that can lead to significant health and societal burdens, often characterised by negative emotions, changes in body weight, cognitive alterations, poor quality of life and a heightened risk of suicide.
‘Therefore, the prevention of depression is of irreplaceable importance.’
While they noted that further research was required, many will be pleased to read the results.
‘Sleep is crucial for the body and brain’s recovery, growth, and memory consolidation, constituting an indispensable part of life,’ the team wrote. ‘The Sleep Research Society (SRS) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggest that adults ought to aim to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night.
‘Unfortunately, in today’s society, individuals often struggle to obtain sufficient sleep due to factors related to work, lifestyle, and the environment.’
Millions of people fail to secure the minimum amount of sleep recommended each night, but previous research has suggested that simply playing catch-up at the weekend doesn’t cancel out lost hours during the week.
A 2019 study revealed that those who cut down on sleep during the week but slept more at weekends tended to eat more in the evenings and have lower energy levels.
Those who have trouble sleeping may also find an uneven schedule difficult to manage.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk in 2022, consultant health psychologist Dr Sue Peacock said: ‘People often try to use naps and lie-ins to catch up on insufficient sleep, but this just throws their sleep schedule out of kilter, making it harder to drift off at bedtime.
‘It is important for insomniacs to avoid trying to catch up on sleep in this way, as part of overcoming insomnia is to build up sleep debt, which is helpful in falling asleep at night.
‘For these sufferers, it’s important to establish a regular nightly sleep pattern.’
However, for those whose lifestyles just mean sometimes you can’t get enough shuteye during the week, it’s good to hear that lie-ins really can help.
And are now officially doctor-approved.