Why Weekend Lie-Ins Fail to Fix Your Broken Sleep Schedule
Struggling with poor sleep may not be fixed by a weekend lie-in. New advice suggests that late-night eating and irregular routines could be making things worse. Experts now warn that trying to catch up on lost sleep at the weekend does little to restore the body's natural balance.
Dr. Sara Marin, a physician at Rush University Medical Center, highlights the importance of an early dinner for better rest. She advises finishing meals by 9 p.m. at the latest. Late-night eating can interfere with the body's ability to wind down, disrupting circadian rhythms and delaying sleep.
Keeping a steady daily schedule also plays a key role in maintaining healthy sleep patterns. A regular wake-up time, even on weekends, helps stabilize the body's internal clock. Drifting too far from this routine—such as sleeping in for hours—can throw off that balance, leading to poorer sleep quality and lower energy levels.
Many assume that extra weekend sleep can offset a week of late nights. However, research shows this approach fails to reverse the effects of chronic sleep loss. The body's natural rhythm relies on consistency, not sudden shifts in behavior.
For those seeking better rest, small adjustments may help. Eating earlier and sticking to a fixed wake-up time could improve sleep quality over time. While weekend lie-ins might feel good in the moment, they do little to repair long-term sleep deficits.
