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What Is Social Jet Lag?
Changing the hours that you sleep from day-to-day affects your bodyscircadian rhythmor its natural internal clock.
Social jet lag affects the body similarly totravel jet lag.
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When you shift your sleeping hours, your body feels as though it is in a different time zone.
This can make falling and staying asleep difficult.
This is because your body has not been awake enough hours to feel tired at your usual Sunday bedtime.
This likely makes waking up early on Monday morning difficult.
Social Jet Lag and Health
Frequently changing your bodys internal clock doesnt just cause daytime sleepiness.
It can significantly impact your health as well.
Weight Gain and Chronic Illness
Social jet lag has been linked with several chronic health problems.
Changes in circadian rhythm triggered by inconsistent sleeping hours cause changes in thecirculatory systemand raise the risk ofcardiovascular disease.
Social jet lag has also been linked to an increased risk for obesity anddiabetes.
A 2019 study found a link between social jet lag in adolescents and an increased risk of obesity.
These changes may be associated with the increased risk of chronic diseases and obesity.
Individuals who regularly experience social jet lag are also more likely to smoke cigarettes and consume excess caffeine.
These habits can significantly disrupt sleep.
The study found that the more participants changed their sleep schedules, the higher the risk of experiencingdepression.
Social jet lag also affects academic performance.
Its important to note that adolescents and young adults are the most at risk for experiencing social jet lag.
This means that their ability to learn new information at school could be impacted by their sleeping habits.
Sleep Hygiene
Focusing on your sleep hygiene is an important part of addressing social jet lag.
Aim to go to bed at the same time every day, even on the weekends.
Study participants were also able to improve their cognitive reaction time scores.
There is nothing better than a cozy Sunday nap but proceed with caution.
Sleeping more on the weekends can make falling asleep at night harder.
This can affect everyone at some point.
Adolescents and young adults tend to have the highest rates of social jet lag.
If youre concerned about your sleep quality, talk with your healthcare provider.
If you have been experiencing trouble falling asleep on the weekends, attempt to limit your naps.
Sleep chronotype refers to your bodys natural inclination for when to sleep.
This is usually referred to as being an early bird or a night owl.
Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
The hours that you sleep are not as important as keeping those hours consistent every night.
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Sleep Foundation.Healthy sleep: what is it and are you getting it?
