Excessive sleeping on the weekends can lead to mental health issues says expert

03 December 2023 , 11:20

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For many, winter can be a time to hibernate completely and spend more time in bed but a lie in isn't always a good idea according to experts

As temperatures plummet, our bodies are more likely to feel tired from the cold, as well as the fewer daylight hours and weekend lie-in can be even more tempting.

For many, winter can be a time to hibernate completely and spend more time in bed, but a lie-in isn't always a good idea according to experts. Excessive lie-ins can have an impact on your sleeping pattern and productivity, they can also exacerbate physical health issues and have an impact on weight gain.

Speaking to the , a qualified sleep expert for Panda London discussed the dangers of having a lie-in. He explained: "While occasional rest and relaxation are important for overall well-being, consistently indulging in excessive lying (staying in bed for an extended period) can have negative consequences."

Disrupted sleep pattern

Max said that long periods in bed can disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to irregular sleep patterns and less restful sleep. He said: "This can result in difficulty falling asleep at night and daytime sleepiness. It's important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and create a sleep environment conducive to restful sleep," Max added.

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Impaired cognitive function and Reduced productivity

Sleeping too much could make you feel sluggish and reduce your concentration and Max urged that having "regular mental stimulation" is important for "maintaining cognitive function". As much as we all love spending time in bed, the expert warned that it can lead to a "lack of tasks being completed" and can result in a lack of productivity too.

Mental health

Not only can it cause a lack of productivity, but oversleeping and having a lie-in can impact your overall mood too. Max warned: "Isolation and lack of exposure to natural light, which often accompanies prolonged lying in, can contribute to feelings of loneliness and may negatively impact mental health. If laying in becomes a frequent habit, it can lead to social isolation. You may miss out on social activities, engagements, and opportunities to connect with others."

Not just this, Max also highlighted that having a lack of routine and lack of exposure to natural light can "contribute to mood disturbances" and suggested that enough exposure to sunlight will "contribute to mood disturbances" as well as giving a sense of well-being.

Physical health issues and weight gain

Remaining still for long periods can also wreak havoc on our physical health - and can cause issues such as "stiffness, muscle atrophy, and poor circulation." The expert shared the importance of regular activity which is "crucial for maintaining a healthy body".

Not just this, not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain and studies have proved a link between a lack of sleep and weight gain. Irregular sleep can affect "metabolism and appetite regulation" too.

However, you can enjoy a lie-in without it affecting your health, but there should be a balance. Max suggested limiting the duration of your lie-ins "adding just 30 minutes to an hour" of extra sleep rather than "sleeping in excessively".

He also advised to get exposure to natural light "in the morning or later in the day if you've had a lie-in" to help support your circadian rhythm.