Sleep Habits and Health

We all know that sleep deprivation results in poor performance as well as irritability and many other effects.

But what about changes in sleep timing; that is changing the time you go to bed and wake up.

Researchers subjected patients to a change in their sleep time by 4 hours; but allowed them to sleep the normal amount of time. This is similar to jet lag.

They discovered there were significant changes in the amount of protein and metabolism of certain hormones in these patients. Although they did not establish the effects, it is clear that jet lag can have adverse affects. The subjects did develop increased signs of depression as well.

This won't stop our traveling, but if you are on a schedule where your regular bedtime varies greatly it might improve your well being to develop a better routine.