Sleeping in is sometimes a divisive issue: for some, it’s just a dream or an impossibility, for others it is practised regularly and extensively. And even if you might think that sleeping in – whether long or short – is a private matter, nowadays late sleepers in particular are viewed sceptically, critically and sometimes even with a little envy. But why is that? What are the pros and cons of sleeping in?
Sleeping late is not a sign of laziness
In our performance-orientated society, sleeping in is often seen as a symptom of laziness and lack of drive. On the other hand, those who consistently get up at dawn after only a few hours’ sleep – even at weekends and on public holidays – are seen as particularly disciplined and determined. The fact that many short sleepers often get up against their internal clock and that their bodies are the opposite of efficient and rested after far too little sleep remains unnoticed. The pride of being recognised on social media for being a member of the 5 o’clock club is often too great.
Sleeping in is desirable
It is absolutely desirable to get a good night’s sleep. Because only those who sleep sufficiently and well can really start the day full of energy, are alert, in a good mood and physically and mentally fit for the demands of everyday life and work. During sleep, our body regenerates down to cellular level and the events of the previous day are processed. The immune system also benefits from sufficient sleep. Sleeping in therefore has many positive aspects.
However, due to work, family or other commitments, many people do not get to enjoy a good night’s sleep, or only do so sporadically, even if they would really like to. Others, on the other hand, don’t need to sleep long at all in order to start the day refreshed and fit. People like to talk about larks and owls, depending on whether you are an early riser and get by on little sleep or are generally a heavy or late sleeper.
Our internal clock determines our need for sleep
Our sleep behaviour and need for sleep are just as individual as we are. There are people who get by perfectly well on four hours of sleep and get up fit and refreshed, while others are only really productive after up to twelve hours of sleep. The majority of people are probably somewhere in between. In addition, the need for sleep can also change over the course of a person’s life and children and young people tend to need more sleep than older people.
Sleep in at the weekend? Of course!
We all have an internal clock that determines the optimum time for us to go to bed, sleep and get up. But – as already mentioned – this is given far too little importance in practice. Many people sleep too little during the week. They go to bed too late, even though work and school start very early in the morning. The good news is that a sleep deficit built up during the week can definitely be reduced by sleeping in at the weekend.
However, you should make sure that sleeping in at the weekend does not completely disrupt your sleep rhythm. After all, if you sleep in too late at the weekend, you will be less tired in the evening and fall asleep later. This lack of sleep pressure can lead to an overtired start to the working week, especially on the night from Sunday to Monday.
Our tips for a good night’s sleep
It makes the most sense to get a consistent amount of sleep throughout the week so as not to disrupt your sleep rhythm and to give your body the time it needs to recover and regenerate while you sleep. Because only with sufficient and good sleep can we start the day fit, alert and alert. It is therefore advisable to listen to yourself and your body and develop a sleep hygiene regime that is customised to your own needs in order to sleep well and restfully in the long term.
