In the quest for a rejuvenating night’s sleep, many of us cling to the age-old adage that eight hours is the magic number. But what if we told you there’s something even more crucial to consider when it comes to your slumber? It’s time to rethink our approach to rest, and an expert has just the insight we need.
Sleep is a precious commodity, especially as we age. A good night’s rest becomes more elusive over the years. That’s why we’re delving into the wisdom of Professor Simon Smith from Queensland University’s Child Health Research Centre, who recently shared a game-changing perspective on sleep.
According to Professor Smith, while the duration of sleep is important, the consistency of our sleep patterns holds the key to feeling our best. ‘Regular sleep is the most important thing,’ he asserts. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Our body clock, or circadian rhythm, thrives on predictability. Disrupting this rhythm by varying our sleep times can lead to a host of issues, from feeling groggy to more serious health concerns. Smith acknowledges that while we aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, the regularity and predictability of our sleep schedule are paramount.
So, how can we achieve this consistency with the busy lives we lead? Smith suggests setting an alarm for the same time each day. Yes, this includes resisting the temptation of a weekend sleep-in. ‘We don’t want people burning the candle during the week and then catching up on [sleep] on the weekend as a habit,’ he explains. Consistent wake-up times can help our bodies naturally settle into a rhythm, making us feel tired at the same time each night, leading to better, more regular sleep.
But life is unpredictable, and there will be times when a full night’s sleep just isn’t in the cards. For those working shifts, caring for children, or dealing with unexpected events, sleep deprivation can be a real concern. Smith acknowledges this reality, noting, ‘There’s lots of reasons why we can miss sleep, and you know we’re flexible.’
In such cases, catching up on sleep is necessary, but Smith advises doing so in a way that minimises disruption to your regular sleep schedule. He doesn’t discourage napping, especially when safety is a concern, such as when driving. However, he warns against developing habits like sleeping in on weekends or taking frequent daytime naps, as these can lead to further sleep problems.
The best way to catch up on lost sleep, according to Smith, is to maintain your usual wake-up time and simply go to bed earlier when you’re tired. This approach allows you to recover without throwing your body’s rhythm off track.
Getting quality sleep isn’t just about the number of hours—it’s about creating a rhythm your body can rely on. As Professor Smith suggests, consistency is the key to feeling truly rested and refreshed.
Have you noticed a difference in how you feel when you stick to a regular sleep schedule? Do you struggle with maintaining a consistent bedtime and wake-up time? What strategies have helped you improve your sleep? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your insights might just help someone else unlock the secret to better sleep!
Also read: This sleep doctor’s simple trick could help you snooze in minutes: ‘It’s really relaxing’
