Social Jetlag

The term social jetlag is used to describe the mismatch between biological time and social time.

Everyone has two clocks they live by – a social clock and a biological clock. The social clock revolves around time. This includes work schedules, events, and gatherings that you attend at a given time of day. Your biological clock or circadian rhythm revolves around an internal body clock. An internal body clock instinctively lets you know when you are tired or hungry without an outside time clock. Some people have an early circadian clock, and others have a later clock. Social jetlag occurs when sleep is inconsistent between the biological clock and the social clock.

If you have an early circadian clock, you may wake up early ready for work or school during the week. But, when the weekend comes, you stay up late with social engagements or extended screen time. Or, if you are like most people, and your circadian is late, you may struggle to wake up for work or school all week and then sleep late on the weekends. If you need an alarm to wake you up, you are likely experiencing a circadian misalignment. Social jetlag can leave you feeling irritable and tired. Aim for a consistent sleep-wake schedule aligned with your circadian rhythm to feel your best.