The research reports that: - Weekend Sleep-ins Linked to Lower Risk of Depression
In a study conducted by researchers at China's Central South University, it was discovered that extending sleep by one to two hours on weekends can significantly reduce the risk of depressive symptoms like constant sadness and disinterest in activities by 46%.
Making up for insufficient sleep over the weekends
By analyzing data from approximately 8,000 individuals who provided information on their sleeping habits and the presence of depressive symptoms, the scientists determined that nearly half of those who slept longer on the weekends experienced fewer instances of depression. This effect was mainly observed in people who slept for six hours or less during the weekdays.
The study, published in the "Journal of Affective Disorders", sheds light on the relationship between sleep and depression. As explained by the scientists, depression is the most common mental illness, affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide.
The significance of a consistent sleep pattern
Sleep professionals assert that maintaining a healthy sleep pattern is crucial for overall well-being. The ideal amount of sleep varies depending on your sleep pattern and age, generally falling between seven and nine hours.
However, not all experts support the idea of making up for sleep loss during the weekends. According to previous research, sleeping in over the weekend has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
As Dailymail states, sleep expert and psychologist Dr. Lindsay Browning recommends maintaining consistent bedtimes throughout the week rather than attempting to compensate for missed sleep by sleeping in on weekends.
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Source: symclub.org
