We all like to sleep in for another hour or two on weekend after a long hard week.
But here is the bad news. Recent researches have shown, that
“while our bodies try to
catch up on occasional loss by making us sleep more and/or more deeply the following night,
this mechanism breaks down when there is chronic deprivation”.
That is, your body no longer attempts to catch up, despite an accumulating sleep deficit.
"The ability to compensate for lost sleep is itself lost, which is damaging both physically and mentally",
- researchers say. As a result, the risk of obesity, heart disease and depression greatly
increases – is this the price you are willing to pay for your workaholic lifestyle?
I know, I know, we all have to make our living, but think about it – do you want to spend all your hard
earned money on your doctors and pills? If you feel irritated and depressed after working
long hours – think twice about your future. You may end up not having it...
Interesting enough, 50 years ago people slept for more than 8 hours, and these days A LOT
of people sleep for about 6 or even less. Quite often people put more hours in at work
while their performance in fact suffers and concentration declines. Is it worth it then?
So here is my tip. Don’t deprive your sleep. If you keep working long hours all week long,
then sorry, early rising is not for you. I do not want to contribute to your problems. After all,
we know it from childhood - sleep is the best medicine.
On a related note, if you are able to maintain normal schedule, then don't sleep in for
more than 1-1.5 hours on weekends – it breaks your sleeping pattern. If you experienced jet
lag then you know how it feels. Your body clock will not like it.
For more details on sleep deprivation research and video interview with sleep expert Professor
Foster see this post.
Sweet Dreams! :)
