Social Jet Lag
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: May 31, 2012
JOPLIN, MO-- "So you've got five days of one sleep wake cycle going then another two days that's totally opposite and the term jet lag comes in." Jeff Keener with the Freeman Sleep Lab says, in fact, it's social jet lag, coined by German researchers who found that type of schedule can ramp up weight gain in patients with a high body mass index. "It's similar to the effect if you were to fly to west on Friday, stay a couple of time zones away, then come back Monday morning."
Keener says it impacts shift workers or anyone who relies on an alarm clock. "It really lasts until you retire."
That sleep deficit can put patients at risk for Type 2 diabetes. But improving your sleep can help. "They need it very dark so they can emulate night time as best as possible. Dark, quiet, cool and those tips are good for everybody." Keener adds it's also a good idea to minimize light exposure before bedtime as well as avoiding using the TV and video games that can interfere with the relaxation process.
