Social jet lags are more than the feeling that you get on a Monday morning, which not only affects your sleep but drains your energy, making you cranky and moody.
Almost 87% of the teenagers and high school going students are unable to get a decent 8-hour of sleep. Few reasons for it can be due to academic pressure, increasing number of standards, high electronic communication and stress. Such jet lags can invite unwanted consequences like mood disorders, poor concentration and micro-sleeps during the day. Social jetlag affects the ‘night-owls’ or the people who are working late in the night and waking up late in the morning.
For people like me, who have low social battery and exhaust after socializing with people, social jet lag is really common. Along with social jet lag comes social anxiety and introvert personality. People mistakenly believe that introverts have social anxiety. No. social anxiety is a different concept where people feel worried and tensed after social interactions and situations but, having an introvert personality means feeling uncomfortable after the social battery goes out. Introverts generally do not open up to strangers and are more comfortable around their known ones.
Headaches, tiredness, muscle aches and body pain are few physical symptoms of social jet lag. People might feel exhaustion or uneasiness right after socializing or the next day. When people start to feel tired all the time, they prefer intake of energized drinks. People start finding it hard to sleep at night and wake up early. This can also lead to insomnia or cause excessive sleepiness during the daytime. In order to stay focused and awake, the body starts to crave for energy. Simultaneously, people start consuming caffeine.
People start isolating themselves from others as they feel the need to retain their social battery before talking to others. Tolerance and patience levels start backfiring as the body gets irritated and frustrated easily at the slightest things. Getting rid of social jet lags is the easiest yet one of the most difficult tasks, one can practice. It’s just that, Consistency is the Key!
Go to bed and rise up early in the morning. Make your sleep schedule consistent. Try reading a book or a warm bath. This will reduce almost 40% of the chances of you getting any social jet lag. Try spending your time outside in the natural daylight. Sunlight can help you rest and regulate your circadian rhythm. Make sure you are engaged in activities in the day as it can help you fall asleep easily at night. Avoid heavy meals or daily caffeine and alcohol consumption. These disrupt your bedtime routine and make it hard for you to sleep.
