Are you suffering from social jetlag?

I swear my life never used to be so hectic. My workload seems to have soared recently yet I’m still trying to juggle my social life and not let people down.

But how is this busy lifestyle actually affecting me?

Well according to a new study from the University of Munich I’m suffering from social jetlag, a condition which arises through demanding jobs and the battle to keep up with social affairs.

Scientists claim that there is a discrepancy between what our bodies are telling us and what everyone else is expecting of us, which could be leading to all sorts of health issues like obesity, stress and an increase in drinking and smoking.

“It concerns an increasing discrepancy between the daily timing of the physiological clock and the social clock,” explains Dr Till Roenneberg, lead author of the study.

“As a result of this social jetlag, people are chronically sleep-deprived. They are also more likely to smoke and drink more alcohol and caffeine … The plot that social jetlag is really bad for our health is thickening,” he warned.

In modern society we’re less likely to listen to our biological clocks, instead working our sleep pattern around the numerous daily tasks that need doing.

I know that I can’t allow myself to get into bed before I’ve ticked off everything on my to-do lists, which often means I’m still up emailing clients in the small hours.

However, researchers suggested that ensuring we get enough sleep will be far more beneficial, as it can also help improve work performance and make you more relaxed and likely to enjoy spending time with family and friends.

It’s not the quantity but the quality of your time!

Are you bogged down with social jetlag?

Posted by Mandy Jones