Wu also notes that while not everybody needs a full eight hours of sleep, everybody does need consistency in their sleep schedules.
“We call it ‘social jet lag:’ when you wake up at different times throughout the week,” she continues, giving the example of waking at 6:00 am on week days and 9:00 am on weekends. “That’s like if you flew from New York to LA and back every weekend. That’s the amount of jet lag you’re putting on your body.”
And like real jet lag, there are real implications for your health.
“That’s not only detrimental to your sleep—it’s also detrimental to your metabolism, metabolic health, cognitive health, and heart health,” she continues. “So even if you’re exercising, eating well, and sleeping eight hours, you’re not going to get the most out of those good behaviors if your sleep is not consistent.” So while getting a nightly eight hours is good, what your body really wants is routine.
“Sleep loves rhythm and regularity, and part of that regularity is having a predictable sequence of events that starts telling the brain to slow down and get ready for bed,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, a double-board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “A regular sleep and wake schedule, as well as a daily schedule for slowing down past a certain hour, is very helpful for sleep. Try not to sleep in too long on the weekends, ideally not more than an hour later than usual.”
As for how to set—and stick to—a designated sleep time? Set a relaxing bedtime routine.
“Dim lights in the evening (think sunset colors), some relaxing ambient music, maybe a cup of tea, can all be a part of slowing things down in preparation for a good night’s sleep,” says Dimitriu. “Eye masks have also shown benefit in improving sleep quality, and meditation can also go a long way toward helping people fall asleep.” You can download a sleep and/or meditation app to help you win down as well.
At the end of the (literal) day, it’s important to remember that improving sleep takes time.
“Be patient with sleep. Everyone these days wants immediate results, and one night of doing ‘the right things’ may not be enough,” Dimitriu concludes. “If you are having trouble sleeping, commit to a routine for at least two weeks before giving up.”
