Yes, Lazy Saturday Lie-Ins Can BOOST Your Health
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 16, 2024
Are you burning the midnight oil during the week and catching up on sleep on weekends?
Well, I’ve got some news that might help you feel less guilty about those lazy Saturday mornings.
A new study suggests that weekend lie-ins might be doing far more than just helping you feel refreshed.
Experts say they could have profound heart health benefits too…
For years, we’ve heard conflicting advice about sleep. Some experts say you can’t make up for lost sleep, while others argue you can.
Now, a new study is tipping the scales in favor of the “catch-up” camp, especially when it comes to heart health.
The study followed participants for an average of 14 years, concluding that people who indulged in the most “compensatory sleep” on weekends were 19 percent less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who caught up the least.
And in case you’re wondering—no, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or woman. The analysis showed no differences between the sexes regarding heart health benefits.
So, what does this mean for you?
Here are some practical tips to make the most of your sleep during the week AND on the weekends:
- Prioritize consistent sleep: Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times, even on weekends. And AIM for seven to nine hours of sleep every
- Ditch the guilt: If you’ve had a sleep-deprived week, allow yourself those extra weekend hours without remorse.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Limit screen time: The blue light from devices can interfere with your sleep cycle, so avoid screen time in the last hour or two before bed.
- Watch your caffeine: Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve sleep quality, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Try meditation or deep breathing exercises to help you unwind before bed.
Remember, catching up on sleep on the weekends is possible, but it’s NOT a replacement for getting enough regular, high-quality sleep the rest of the week.
Instead, think of hitting that snooze button and indulging in some extra shut-eye on the weekend as a helpful backup plan to protect your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease in the long run.
P.S. The sleep aid that’s secretly protecting your brain.
Source:
“Weekend compensatory sleep is associated with reduced risk of heart disease: a prospective UK Biobank-based cohort study” ESC Congress 2024, presented at the session ‘Exploring cardiovascular health: lifestyle, economics, and disparities’, Sunday 1st September 2024 at Station 8 – Research Gateway.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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