Can you catch up on sleep during the weekends to make up for lost sleep during the week?

It’s a common belief that you can catch up on lost sleep by sleeping in on the weekends. However, studies have shown that this is a myth.

The human body thrives on a consistent sleep schedule, and sleeping in on weekends can disrupt that routine. This can lead to a condition known as social jet lag, where your body’s internal clock becomes misaligned with the external world.

Furthermore, catching up on lost sleep during the weekends is not always possible. The body can only make up for a certain amount of lost sleep at a time, and chronic sleep deprivation cannot be fully compensated for with a few extra hours of sleep on the weekends.

The best way to ensure optimal health and well-being is to establish a consistent sleep schedule and try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If you find yourself feeling tired during the day, consider taking short power naps instead of sleeping in on the weekends.