Dubai: Sleeping longer on weekends than on weekdays may cause health issues, according to a new study published in the journal Sleep.
Dr Shadi Sharifi, a sleep specialist and neurologist at Saudi German Hospital in Dubai, said extra sleep on weekends may disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep and coordinates biological activity with the day-night cycle.
Dr Sharifi added that sleeping longer on weekends causes delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), a circadian rhythm disorder that occurs when the body’s internal clock doesn’t adapt to changes in sleeping patterns. She stated that patients with DSPS find it difficult to wake up at a desired time, and that DSPS hinders daily functioning.
“Patients with DSPS often experience excessive daytime sleepiness as a result of not getting enough sleep,” Sharifi said. “If DSPS is interfering with daily functioning, it is important to minimise its effects. Almost 50 per cent of all reported patients also suffer from depression.”
Importance of sleep
“Many people think that sleep is a passive phenomenon, but on the contrary, it is an active phenomenon,” Dr Kasid Nouri, a consultant neurologist at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, said.
Dr Nouri said sleep fulfils brain functions such as energy conservation and restoration, clearance of metabolites, and promotion of brain plasticity.
“Sleep is one of the most important aspects of good health. The brain clears out toxins more rapidly during sleep,” he said.
“Sleep also plays a critical role in thinking and learning. And various sleep cycles play a role in consolidating memories,” he added.
“Sleep deprivation can impair several brain networks that control cognitive abilities and behaviour, leading to impaired attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving.
“Sleep deprivation can also lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Sleep-deprived men and women have lower libidos and interest in sex,” Dr Nouri said.
Dr Sharifi also stressed on the importance of getting adequate sleep.
“The brain needs its sleep more than any other organ,” she said. “The most direct function of sleep does seem to be its effects on the central nervous system.
“We can’t minimise the fact that sleep-wake pattern has an effect on the entire body, not just the brain. In terms of physical health and longevity — although the body doesn’t technically need sleep in the same way the brain does — there are a number of physical diseases it seems to affect. Lack of sleep is linked to obesity and poorer glucose control.”
She also said that sleep deprivation is likely a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, as well as inflammation, which may increase one’s risk of cancer.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 sleep for at least seven hours per night on a regular basis to “promote optimal health.”
