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I was inspired to write this article due to the fact I am currently suffering from Jet lag myself, but you too are likely jet lagged right now!
You may not have taken a long haul flight, however you may be suffering from a different type of Jet Lag, ‘Social Jet Lag’. I know what you're thinking, “what is that?” and “how does this effect me?”
What is that?
Simply, It is a term coined for the effect of tiredness created by going to sleep later than usual. This is most common on weekends.
Similarly to the symptoms of jet lag, by delaying our bedtime we disrupt our body clock in the same way as moving through time zones. This usually means that we wake up exhausted for work on Monday!
Generally speaking this is a common issue for many, due to social and family demands we tend to find ourselves going to bed later on the weekend. Which brings us to the second question.
How does that effect me?
According to a study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the effects of social jet lag include:
moodiness
fatigue
Worse health
11% increase in the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
Cortisol increase (stress hormone).
Pretty serious stuff.
From a physique standpoint alone, these symptoms will effect your ability to train, manage your energy levels and metabolise fat or build muscle.
It’s okay though, because we often have a lie in to compensate… right? No. Quantity of sleep is not the only problem, as well as quality, it is the regularity of our sleep that needs improving.
The Message
This research suggests that having a regular sleep schedule could play a role in the prevention of heart disease and many other illnesses.
Not only that, but by getting regular sleep you should feel more energised for your activities throughout the week and maybe make those Monday mornings that little bit easier.
Harry Morris PT
Post Publishing Review: This may be the least helpful article I’ve ever created. Why do I say that? Because almost everyone who has watched or read this and relates to the things I say, will do nothing about it.
It’s all well and good to understand that creating social jetlag will affect your cortisol levels, your fat loss, mood, ability to build muscle. But does that knowledge outway your decision to stay up an extra couple hours?
At the time of this endnote, I wrote this article about 2 years ago... and have probably gone to bed late every weekend since! It’s not until recently that my decision to prioritise my health has overtaken my desire to stay up and watch Netflix.
So, how bad do you want it? To be in shape? To have good health? To live a long time? I’ll let you answer that question rhetorically. Do not underestimate the importance of sleep in those goals. Don’t become a slave to social jet lag.
Go to bed on time!
Sources:
ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 5 June 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170605085326.htm>.