Day-sleeping: Good or not so good?

 

Image via Rama-Roche of Pixabay

A recent conversation with a friend sparked my curiosity to do a little fresh research on possible side-effects of frequent day-napping and/or maintaining regular day-sleeping schedules. She’s often been a night-owl and sometimes slept long hours during the day.

I remembered having likes and dislikes about day-sleeping in my younger years, not the naps but regularly when working night shifts for long stretches. In my case, the negatives outweighed the positives. If I had to maintain night shifts for several weeks, my energy level dropped and I sometimes developed moderate depression.

With the abundance of sleep labs and clinics available these days, I wondered what info had been accumulated during sleep studies over the past couple decades. Although I didn’t thrive on the night shift I had several (tho never most) colleagues who did and loved it. 

What I learned was interesting, although I’m sure it doesn’t apply to everyone.

Here ya go...

Mayo Clinic News Network

☙ Day-sleepers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality.

☙ Day-sleepers are at higher risk of hormonal imbalance and weakened immune system due to their day sleep hours disrupting their natural circadian rhythm.

Johns Hopkins Medicine

☙ Day-sleepers are at a higher risk of type II diabetes and obesity.

☙ At higher risk of cognitive decline, brain-fog and memory issues.

Cleveland Clinic

☙ Day-sleepers are at higher risk of clinical depression, chronic anxiety and irritability

Stat Care Pulmonary & Sleep

☙ Chronic day-sleeping is often tied to obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome and thyroid imbalances.

Helpful?

Interesting stuff and more informative than I expected. Good sleep is a must but some of us need a little help maintaining it.

Below is an amazon list of few items that I use or know someone who uses.

☙ Cervical Neck Pillow for Side Sleepers Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillow

☙ ODOXIA Weighted Pillow for Adults 6.5lbs (41" x 12") | Sleep Better & Feel Calm | Weighted Body Pillow for Stress Relief | Sleeping Hugging Pillows for Adults

☙ Dr Teal's Calm Blend Spray with Melatonin, Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oils, 6 fl oz (Pack of 3)

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 KJV

The wrap!

Can you relate? Maybe you know someone who’s a regular day-sleeper, maybe even someone who’s experiencing some of the above listed health challenges due to day-sleeping.  Or maybe you're a day-sleeper and having some health challenges because of it.

If so, hope you’ll consider sharing your experiences in a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for visiting. Your interest and support of independent journalism are always appreciated.

‘Til next time, 

Shalom