Published: 9 June 2023

In my feature with The Telegraph, I spoke about an issue that continues to come up in my clinical work: the underestimated risks of weekend lie-ins. While they may feel like a well-earned treat after a long week, the science reveals they can quietly chip away at your health—particularly as you get older.

We explored research showing how inconsistent sleep patterns—especially staying up late and sleeping in on weekends—disrupt the body's circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates not just sleep, but also mood, metabolism, immunity, and even heart function. One study shared during the British Cardiovascular Society conference found a 13% increase in heart attacks on Mondays, likely linked to this weekly sleep disruption.

In the article, I highlighted that sleep duration alone isn’t enough—we must also look at sleep consistency. A shifting sleep schedule interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate emotions. I often explain to patients how even subtle disruptions affect the amygdala, the brain’s emotional hub. This helps explain why many people feel moody or irritable even after sleeping in.

We also touched on how these disruptions impact metabolism. Cortisol—the body’s natural alarm clock—rises when we wake and helps regulate blood sugar and energy. But when we delay waking or vary our routine, this hormone cycle falters. That can lead to late-night cravings, skipped workouts, and eventually, gradual weight gain.

For women in midlife or going through menopause, I’ve found that maintaining a regular sleep rhythm is even more important. Hormonal shifts already make sleep more fragile, and irregular sleep patterns can extend sleep struggles unnecessarily.

The takeaway? Sleep is not just about how long you rest—it’s about when. And protecting that rhythm might just be one of the most powerful, overlooked tools for long-term health.

Read the full article in The Telegraph:
"The hidden dangers of your weekend lie-in" by David Cox
Published 09 June 2023

Read the article on The Telegraph:  www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/body/the-hidden-dangers-of-your-weekend-lie-in/