The lie-in – a wonderful weekend friend or sleep disturbing foe?

What could possibly beat a lazy Sunday morning lie-in? Imagine waking up in the softest bed sheets imaginable, not having to go anywhere or do anything. Chances are the desire to leave your comfy bed is very small.
Whilst it may feel great to stay in bed, dozing on and off, sleep and wellbeing experts typically advise against it. One theory is that our bodies rely on the rhythm and routine of going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day. When doing this, we teach ourselves to make the most of the hours spent asleep. Furthermore, we begin to ‘wake up’ long before opening our eyes; up to an hour and a half before the waking hours our bodies subconsciously begin to prepare for the day ahead.
Bearing all this in mind, it’s not surprising that going back to sleep can confuse your body and disrupt your routine and leave you feeling tired and slightly dazed.

What? No more lie-ins?!

Fear not, lazy weekend mornings can still be enjoyed. Dr Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert, says: ‘If you want to stay in bed, it’s better to be awake – snuggly, warm and comfy in bed – than to be asleep.’ So, the lie-in is safe, but use it as a time to relax rather than sleep. Grab a newspaper or a good book, a cup of tea, and sneak some precious me-time.