An Extra Hour of Sleep on the Weekend Could Help You in the Future

A recent study has found that getting more sleep on the weekend may help preserve hearing as we age—adding yet another reason to value those precious hours of rest.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers at Chungnam National University in South Korea, involved a sample of more than 6,500 individuals over the age of 40. It focused on the relationship between weekend sleep habits and hearing levels.

According to the published findings, people who got an extra hour of sleep on the weekend—especially those in their 40s and 50s—had a 42% lower risk of mild hearing loss and a 21% lower risk of moderate hearing loss.

The researchers suggest that adequate sleep helps protect the brain’s neural networks, which are crucial for processing sounds and transmitting auditory signals, thereby slowing down age-related hearing decline.

It is worth noting that hearing loss in old age is linked to a higher risk of dementia, social isolation, and loneliness. Previous studies have also associated catching up on sleep during weekends with improved heart health, and a reduced risk of dementia by up to 70% in people who experience sleep deprivation during workdays.

In light of these findings, taking time to rest on weekends is not just a luxury—it’s an investment in long-term neurological and sensory health.