Weekend sleep-ins can help you stave off depression: Study

There’s nothing like enjoying a long lie-in at the weekend after a busy week.

Now experts have found that it’s not only relaxing but may have health gains as those who get ‘catch-up sleep’ are less likely to suffer symptoms of depression.

Researchers analysed data on nearly 8000 people who completed an assessment of depressive symptoms and answered questions about their sleep.

They discovered that nearly half got catch-up sleep by spending longer in bed at the weekends.

Overall those who slept one or two hours longer at weekends were up to 46 per cent less likely to show signs of depressive symptoms.

These can include persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities.

Analysis revealed that the benefits of weekend lie-ins on these symptoms were mainly present in those who slept six hours or less on weekdays.

The link also appeared to be stronger in men and those under 6, said a report in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

The academics from Central South University in Hunan, China, concluded: “Weekend catch-up sleep of zero to two hours was related to decreased odds of depressive symptoms.”

However previous studies have indicated that weekend lie-ins can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Experts found that those who slept later at weekends ate less healthily and their gut health was impacted.