Sleeping in on the Weekends Could Be Good for Your Life Expectancy

should i sleep inshould i sleep in

If your weekday routine consists of dragging yourself out of bed after less than five hours of sleep, a recent study is giving you the go-ahead to turn off your alarm this weekend and sleep in. Conducted in Sweden with over 43,000 participants over 13 years, the study from the Journal of Sleep Research found that people under 65 who had five hours of sleep or less on weeknights but made up for it by sleeping for nine hours or longer on weekends had no increased risk of mortality compared to people in the same age group who slept for six to seven hours every night.

The downside of the findings was that even after taking into account factors like smoking, BMI (body mass index), and physical activity levels, people under 65 who didn't catch up on their sleep on weekends, after getting five hours or less every night in the week, were over 50 percent more likely to die over the duration of the study than those consistently getting six to seven hours.

So if you're already missing out on sleep during the week, catching up on the weekend won't necessarily extend your life any more than if you just get six to seven hours every night, but it could mean that you're not increasing your risk of mortality.

The Downside of Sleeping In

At first read, this seems to contradict what experts have been telling us about the difficulty of correcting sleep deficits. If we can get away with less sleep during the week and catch up on the weekend, then why are we always being told to aim for that consistent six- to eight-hour sweet spot?

Before you let yourself off the hook for staying up for just one more episode of your favorite Netflix show every weeknight, hear out the experts. California-based psychiatrist and sleep specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu says, “I worry about studies like this, because we're already a sleep-deprived society. Just look at the lines in Starbucks! Catching up on sleep does work to some extent, but suffering from sleep deprivation along the way can be dangerous, both because it causes accidents, and [it can affect] an individual's health. Sleep deprivation can impact anxiety, depression, ADHD, and memory."

The main concern among experts is that just because you can “catch up" on sleep on the weekends doesn't mean that this is the healthiest approach. As anyone who has struggled to fall asleep on a Sunday night knows, one of the problems with switching up your bedtimes is that it confuses your natural body clock. As Bill Fish, certified sleep science coach in Seattle, explains it, “Our bodies love routine, and our circadian rhythm is just that: a 24-hour internal clock that moderates when we need rest. Getting five hours of sleep during the week, and then nine hours on the weekends, breaks up that routine. Take care of your body every day, and you will see the rewards."

Although we tend to think about our lives in week-long slots of seven days, our bodies are operating on that 24-hour cycle. Switching between bouts of short and long sleep, instead of consistently sticking to about seven hours every night, confuses this (and explains why you feel so lousy when your alarm goes off way too early), which is something the study didn't look at.

“The study talks about lifespan, not the way people feel on a daily basis," Fish points out. “Personally, if I don't get enough sleep, I'm not concerned that I'm going to die, but I'm crabby and don't feel well." In addition, a long-term disrupted sleeping pattern can affect your ability to get to sleep when you want to. “Catching up on sleep tends to mess up our circadian clocks, which often leads to a self-perpetuating cycle of insomnia," Dimitriu cautions.

How to Get More Sleep During the Week

According to the experts, your best bet is to aim for six to seven hours every single night. Feel like there's no way you can do this during the week? In order to free up some time, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, board-certified internist and sleep expert, suggests taking a hard look at your obligations and tasks and cutting back on the things that aren't enjoyable and that you don't absolutely need to do. “If you have kids, ask them which school meetings or events are most important to them, and don't go to the others," he says. “Use that time for sleep."

Teitelbaum, who readily admits that he takes the chance to sleep late when he can, says that this is the bottom line: “Sleeping in on weekends won't decrease the health risks of not getting enough sleep during the week. But it doesn't hurt either." BRB, just turning off the alarm.

Do you jump out of bed on the weekends or do you love to sleep in? Let us know @BritandCo!

This article was previously published in June 2018 and has been updated.

I'm a serial napper who loves getting as much sleep as I can, but last year shone a spotlight on how much sleepmaxxingwasn't helping me. Between fighting insomnia and waking up with my stress response on high alert, I knew I needed to make changes so grogginess wouldn't be my default mood.

Once I started asking myself a series of deep questions to see what I needed, I recognized why I wasn't feeling great. Not only were my sleeping habits terrible, I also wasn't thinking about other types of rest needed to function normally. With nothing but hope and time on my hands, I decided to conduct a 'rest' experiment to see if I could improve how I feel.

Based on my results — and the advice from licensed therapist Brooke Sprowl, LCSW of My LA Therapy — slow living feels good.

Scroll to see the 7 types of rest that can help you feel totally refreshed in 2025!

Cora Pursley

1. Physical Rest: Prioritizing physical rest led to a decreased need to be productive.

I inherited my parents' tendency to work on my days off because being idle felt like I was signaling how lazy I am. Instead of sleeping in on Saturdays, I'd wake up early to clean before cooking breakfast, planning activities for my son, and going over content creation ideas. Couch rotting wasn't allowed until I was absolutely done with everything, but there was always something to do.

The day I collapsed in my bedroom after rearranging the living room and my office was the moment I asked, "How did I decide working myself to pure exhaustion meant I was an amazing woman?" So, I gave myself permission to start using my weekends to rest. Sprowl says, "Physical rest includes both passive activities like sleep and active recovery practices like gentle stretching, yoga, or massage."

She also indicates collapsing was likely a sign my body's way of sending a huge flare to get my attention. "Listen to your body’s signals of fatigue and make rest a proactive priority rather than waiting for exhaustion to take over," she encourages.

For me, this looks like sleeping in past 10 a.m., stretching my body in the morning, and taking long showers. It's an act of resistance that's helped me unplug and reset after a long work week. Sprowl believes getting physical rest helps "restore the body's reserves, reduces stress hormones, and supports overall physical health," ultimately "laying the foundation for every other type of rest."

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2. Mental Rest: Taking a mental break helped me unplug.

I'm a chronic over-thinker, so I'm still learning how to give my brain a break. However, tools I've picked up from therapy help along with reminders from my inner circle. Why does it matter? Sprowl says, "Mental rest is about giving your mind a break from overthinking, decision fatigue, or cognitive overload."

Besides unplugging from work, I have to remind myself to stay present by focusing on things that are in my vicinity. Sprowl says giving yourself a mental break may look similar or different. "This might mean stepping away from work, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that allow your brain to wander, like walking in nature."

If you and I don't allow our brains to 'cool down,' she believes "it can lead to irritability and difficulty focusing" which explains the moments I barely had patience last year. Genuinely resting "fosters clarity and cognitive balance," according to Sprowl which is what we could use more of!

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3. Emotional Rest: Treating my emotional health with care helped me embrace vulnerability.

The other area I struggle with sometimes is my emotional health. A physically and mentally exhausted Jasmine often leads to an emotionally unhinged version of myself that struggles to express what's wrong or things I need. "Emotional rest involves creating safe spaces to express feelings or allowing yourself to step back from emotional labor," Sprowl points out.

It matters because it can "ease racing thoughts and unresolved feelings that interfere with sleep," according to her. Prioritizing this kind of rest essentially creates "a sense of calm before bedtime" in her opinion. It can look like "journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or working with a therapist" to "help unburden accumulated emotions."

If I'm not gratitude journaling, I'm usually talking to one of my best friends or fiancé about anything I may be struggling with. Being vulnerable with people who care about me has helped calm my sea of emotions, creating a level of comfort I haven't felt in years.

Anna Tarazevich

4. Social Rest: Reaffirming my need for social breaks stopped making me feel weird.

This is a safe space, right? My daily confession is that I've always prioritized social rest. I didn't have a name for it when I was younger, but I've been able to feel when my social battery is depleted which leads me to find a way to reset alone. I almost lost my ability to do so when social media was popularized, but the past couple of weeks have reminded me to take steps back so I'm not internalizing different opinions and emotions.

Sprowl says, "Social rest combats the overstimulation and comparison often fueled by digital platforms, helping you reconnect with yourself." It's hard for me to hear myself when I'm thinking about what everyone else is saying so I'll put on my phone on DND (do not disturb) or set screen limits for various apps.

It's something Sprowl feels is vital. "Social rest means setting boundaries around social interactions, particularly with relationships that drain rather than nourish." Like I've been doing, she further says "limiting time on social media, scheduling solo time, or prioritizing relationships where you feel truly seen and supported" are some of the ways you can also hit the reset button.

Tima Miroshnichenko

5. Spiritual Rest: Tapping into spiritual rest helped me feel less afraid.

I don't mind talking about my religious background, but I understand not everyone shares the same beliefs I do. Still, I'm a firm believer that we need to prioritize spiritual rest in a world that's in hustle mode. Sprowl says this "nurtures the soul, creating a sense of peace and alignment with your values." She believes "connecting to something greater than yourself" can help add to the physical, emotional, mental, and social ways we may need to hit pause.

I personally love to pray, read devotionals, or use my journal to reflect about various things. Other things Sprowl suggests doing are mediating, grounding yourself in nature, or adopting a gratitude practice. Whatever you choose to do, she feels "it's about finding purpose and meaning in your life."

Carleigh Ellison

6. Creative Rest: Creative breaks made me feel less irritated by what I love to do.

Fellow creatives, are we okay? It seems like the very thing we love to do — creating art — can leave us feeling drained which is confusing. But I've got a secret as someone whose dream career is a reality: we have to stop and take breaks from creating sometimes. Please don't throw tomatoes! I'm serous here.

Sprowl says, "For those who thrive on innovation, creative rest involves stepping back from the pressure to produce and immersing yourself in inspiration." See? I'm not just making this up! Just like the social rest I've become a pro at, I've learned how to go on little adventures around my neighborhood, discover new food places to eat, or get lost in one of my music playlists.

Sprowl says you too can "visit an art gallery, listen to music, read poetry, watch an artful movie or show, or simply allow yourself to enjoy beauty without the expectation of creating." Being in the moment "replenishes the well of inspiration" us creatives pull from, thus "preventing burnout and keeping creative pursuits joyful," according to her.

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7. Sensory Rest: Getting real about sensory overload stopped me from being irritable.

Sensory overload is real! I'm extremely quick to tell my fiancé, "Honey, I'm feeling overstimulated and need a break" which he knows means I have about 5-10 minutes before my irritability says, "Peek-a-boo!" Becoming a mom made me more aware of how much adults can't always tell when there's too much going on for our liking so I've worked hard to be more aware.

If I can't stand being touched after a while or need the TV's volume lowered, it's a sign that I've been dealing with them for too long. Sprowl says, "Sensory rest requires reducing stimuli like bright screens, loud environments, or excessive multitasking. Consider dimming lights in the evening, unplugging from devices, or practicing sensory mindfulness, like focusing on a single sound or texture."

My favorite thing to do is take a hot shower in the dark sometimes. My fiancé thought it was strange the first time I did it, but now he knows it's something I need. Other things I'll do is sit on my office's floor and journal by myself. It's a nice way to tap into my inner calm instead of getting overly upset.

"In our overstimulating world, sensory rest calms the nervous system and helps prevent overwhelm," says Sprowl.

Focusing on 7 types of rest sounds like a lot, but it's not when you consider how many things can raise our cortisol levels. From internal to external irritants, we're constantly being bombarded with things that can cause pure exhaustion. It just makes more sense to me to prioritize self-care that doesn't always involve spending money.

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I never thought I'd say this, but Meryl Streep and Martin Short are one of the cutest celebrity couples rumored to be together! I didn't see this coming and I'm certain neither did fans of Only Murders in the Building! It's like they're taking a page from Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam's scripts, but with the added spice of workplace romance. Even though they've yet to confirm what's going on between them, I think something's brewing and I'm not the only one!

Scroll to learn more about Meryl Streep & Martin Short's alleged romance!

When did Meryl Streep & Martin Short start dating? 

The couple hasn't said anything about the beginning of their relationship, but rumors about them date back to January 2024. Despite being incredibly close at the 81st Golden Globes Awards, Martin's representative shut things down. It was said the two "are just very good friends, nothing more," but their coziness kept suggesting otherwise (via PEOPLE).

Page Six shared photos of them arriving to Giorgi Baldi late last year and they even attended a Broadway show together! Grabbing dinner is something friends would do, but lovers are also known for having date nights at restaurants.

Have they said anything about their relationship? 

Meryl & Martin haven't verbally said much about their relationship, but apparently a source has intel about how they feel. "Meryl couldn’t help but fall for Martin. He is a gentleman, he keeps her laughing and is an all around positive person. She loves being around him," this anonymous person allegedly told Page Six.

Shortly after this admission, the source said the couple wasn't "looking for a relationship when they started dating," but loved ones "approve" of them being together. If you ask us, the best romances are ones that come as a surprise to both partners!

Who were they married to before? 

Everyone was shocked to learn Meryl Streep and her ex-husband Don Gummer hadn't been together for "6 years," in 2023 (via PEOPLE). They would've bee celebrating 45 years of wedded bliss, but things ended well before they could do so. Meryl's rep said, "Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart."

As for Martin Short, he became a widower when his wife Nancy Dolman passed away in 2010 (via Newsweek). The outlet recalls a prior interview between the actor and The Hollywood Reporter where he said, "It was absolutely horrible, obviously, and as sad as anything." However he told his kids, "'I believe Mom has zoomed into our souls.'"

Stay tuned for more updates on this potential couple by following us on Facebook!

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

Looking for more celebrity news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

The world was sad to say goodbye to Ted Lasso when season 3 ended in 2023. "This is the end of this story that we wanted to tell," Jason Sudeikis said in March 2023. "The fact that folks will want more and are curious beyond more than what they don’t even know yet—that being Season 3—it’s flattering."

Well, get ready to say hello because Apple TV+ announced on March 14 that Ted Lasso season 4 is coming to the streamer. Entertainment Weekly confirmed that the senior season will again see Jason Sudeikis as star and executive producer. Thank you Apple!

Here's everything we know about Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso season 4, coming soon to Apple TV+.

'Ted Lasso' season 4 finds the characters "exactly where they're meant to be."

Apple TV+

Ted Lasso season 4 will see a continuation of all the goodness we got in season 3 Ted returned to Kansas, and his son. Rebecca finally reunited with the man she met in Amsterdam, and started to consider starting a Richmond women's team at the suggestion of Keeley, who's still torn between Jamie and Roy.

"As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to 'look before we leap,' in season 4, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be," Jason Sudeikis said in a statement.

The 'Ted Lasso' season 4 cast will be led by Jason Sudeikis.

Apple TV+

We don't have a full Ted Lasso season 4 cast yet, but we do know Jason Sudeikis will return as Ted. I'm hoping the full cast will include:

  • Jason Sudeikis as Ted, the AFC Richmond coach.
  • Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent, the midfielder and captain of the team.
  • Juno Temple as Keeley Jones, a model-turned-marketing and PR manager.
  • Hannah Waddingham as Rebecca Welton, AFC Richmond's owner.
  • Jeremy Swift as Leslie Higgins, the Director of Football Operations.
  • Phil Dunster as Jamie Tartt, the team's striker.
  • Brendan Hunt as Willis Beard, one of Ted's assistant coaches.
  • Nick Mohammed as Nate Shelley, who becomes an assistant coach.

Here's when you can expect 'Ted Lasso' season 4.

Apple TV+

We don't have an official Ted Lasso season 4 release date yet, but considering season 2 was announced in 2020 and premiered in 2021 (the delay during season 3 was reportedly due to script rewrites). So there's a good chance we could see new episodes in 2026.

Does Keeley end up with Jamie or Roy?

Apple TV+

Okay so we don't actually know who Keeley chooses yet because the end of season 3 left it unanswered (even though actress Juno Temple told EW she thinks "ultimately, she ends up with Roy"). Hopefully we'll figure out who's endgame in season 4!

Catch up on all The 11 Most-Anticipated TV Shows Coming In March before the month ends!

As we get closer to the Severance season 2 finale, I'm already feeling sad about saying goodbye to all my favorite characters. But thankfully we NEVER have to say goodbye to our favorite actors because there are so many movies and TV shows where we can watch Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and the rest of the Severance cast.

Here's where you can watch the Severance cast after you finish watching season 2.

1. Adam Scott as Mark Scout

Apple TV+

You'll probably recognize Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation, but you can also see him as Ben Parker in Madame Web, Max on Ghosted, Ed on Big Little Lies, and Henry on Party Down.

2. Britt Lower as Helly Riggs

Apple TV+

Severance fans can also see Britt Lower as Liz in Man Seeking Woman, Miriam in Darkest Miriam, Fay in American Horror Stories, Lisa in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Jeri in Future Man, and Claire in Ghosted.

3. Patricia Arquette as Harmony Cobel

Apple TV+

Patricia Arquette has been in some amazing movies and TV shows, although I was first introduced to her when she played Kissin' Kate Barlow in Holes. You can also see her play a few characters in Medium, Olivia in Boyhood, Sally in Boardwalk Empire, and DeeDee Blanchard in The Act.

4. Tramell Tillman as Seth Milchick

Apple TV+

Severance's Tramell Tillman also stars as Coach Reese in Sweethearts, Double-Tap in Hit-Monkey, Bobby Robinson in Godfather of Harlem, Steven in Dietland, and Detective Ocasio in Elementary, as well as a couple roles in Play on Podcasts.

5. Zach Cherry as Dylan George

Apple TV+

My favorite Severance character is Dylan because of how much energy and emotion Zach Cherry brings to the screen. You can see also Zach as Woody Thomas in Fallout, Wolf in Duncanville, a few roles in Our Cartoon President, and as a very-passionate Klev in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

6. Jen Tullock as Devon Scout-Hale

Apple TV+

You can see Jen Tullock as Anita St. Pierre in Perry Mason, Iwona in The Coop, Wendy in Spirited, and Kimmy in The L Word: Generation Q.

7. Michael Chernus as Ricken Hale

Apple TV+

In addition to Severance, you can see Michael Chernus as Theodore Bickel in A Complete Unknown, Eric in Carol & The End of the World, Tom in Dead Ringers, Jerry in Prodigal Son, and in The Accidental Wolf.

8. Dichen Lachman as Ms. Casey

Apple TV+

Dichen Lachman is breaking all our hearts in this Apple TV show, and she's just as powerful as Soyona in Jurassic World: Dominion, Korina in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Jiaying in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Anya in The 100, and a few characters in Dollhouse.

9. John Turturro as Irving Bailiff

Apple TV+

John Turturro stars as Eric in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Carmine in The Batman, the goat in Green Eggs and Ham, and Guglielmo da Baskerville in The Name of the Rose.

10. Christopher Walken as Burt Goodman

Apple TV+

Christopher Walken is THAT guy, and Severance fans can see him in The Outlaws, as the Emperor in Dune 2, Warren Sharp in Eddie the Eagle, Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray, Frank in Catch Me if You Can, and Max in Batman Returns.

11. Sarah Bock as Miss Huang

Apple TV+

In addition to Severance season 2, you can see Sarah Bock as Bora in Bebefinn. I can't wait to see what else she does!

Tell us your favorite TV shows and movies starring the Severance cast on our Facebook!