Should you catch up on sleep at the weekend? Expert shares top slumber tips

11 March 2024 , 11:19

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Who doesn't enjoy a lie-in at the weekend? But ultimately, is it a good idea? (Image: Getty Images)

Most of us have done some 'catching up on sleep' at the weekend, but does it really work like that?

Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that our end-of-week slumbers might not be quite as restorative as we think. show our average Saturday/Sunday sleep is 7.26 hours as opposed to just 6.42 hours on a weekday. But is it possible to make this deficit up by sleeping longer?

Wooden bed makers, have teamed up with sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee, of , to get to the bottom of whether weekend slumbers are good for you, or not.

She said: “Early starts mean we often lose sleep during the working week. This leads to a build-up of sleep deprivation, prompting some to compensate by sleeping for longer at the weekend."

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So, does it matter if you don’t get enough sleep in the week? Can you just make up for it at the weekend?

Lee said: “If you sleep in late, this disrupts your natural sleep cycle and is likely to mean you will have trouble falling asleep if you go to bed at the same time, as usual, that night. Sleeping in can throw off your body's internal clock, leading to difficulties falling asleep at night.

“Such erratic sleep patterns can wreak havoc on overall health, contributing to anxiety and other health issues. Many people feel a natural lull in their energy levels, usually early afternoon around 1-3 pm, this is the best time to take a nap if you need one, and aren’t in school or work.

“But waking later in the day after a lie-in can mean this tired spell occurs later. Napping late in the day is not advisable as it can mean it takes longer to fall asleep when you go to bed that night.”

What’s the solution?
Lee continues: “Ideally, we should all be trying to sleep well and get seven hours of good quality sleep every night. It’s far better to work on your everyday sleep regime, than to ignore the need for sleep during the week, and only face up to it on the weekends.”

Tips to help you establish a healthy sleep routine

• Make sleep a priority

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

• Create a sleep-friendly environment: dark, quiet, and cool

• Invest in a comfortable mattress and clean bedding

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime

• Limit screen time before sleep

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• Seek treatment for medical conditions affecting sleep

• Consult a healthcare professional for sleep disorders

• Don't let sleep debt accumulate—prioritise your health with a good night's sleep

Paul Speed