{"id":2087,"date":"2021-09-13T05:49:18","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T05:49:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bedguard.com.au\/?p=2087"},"modified":"2021-09-13T05:49:18","modified_gmt":"2021-09-13T05:49:18","slug":"how-sleep-changes-with-the-seasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bedguard.com.au\/backup\/how-sleep-changes-with-the-seasons\/","title":{"rendered":"How sleep changes with the seasons"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you feel that your sleep changes with the seasons, you\u2019re probably right! Find out how your sleep is affected by seasonal changes and how to get the best sleep you can.<\/p>\n

\"Sleep<\/p>\n

Why sleep changes with the seasons<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the influences on our sleep is our external environment, so it makes sense that our sleep will be affected by the seasons. But just how much does each season affect us and what are the common issues to be aware of?<\/p>\n

Spring<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When Spring arrives, most people expect to be filled with extra energy. However, it\u2019s very common for some people to feel a little tired. This is because our bodies take time to adjust to our sleep-wake cycles to match new seasonal patterns. While winter is generally considered to be a time of hibernation, Spring is the \u2018wake up\u2019 season. The sun rises earlier, the birds chirp earlier (and louder) and with the warmer weather, we\u2019re more interested in going out and doing things than prioritising sleep. In addition, new blossoms and extra pollen can lead to springtime allergies which can make it difficult to sleep soundly. All of these factors can contribute to feeling a bit lethargic, as we slowly get used to the warmer weather.<\/p>\n

Tips<\/em><\/strong>: Get on top of any allergy problems early by taking hayfever medication if appropriate. Don\u2019t forgo sleep in favour of socialising with friends, and make sure you expose yourself to natural light in the day, particularly in the morning, to help your body clock adjust.<\/em><\/p>\n

Summer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While summer heralds the end of the traditional allergy season, there are other factors that can make it hard to get a good night\u2019s sleep. Daylight saving<\/a> can interfere with your body clock which uses light and darkness as signals for day and night. The longer we see daylight, the longer the body clock will tell the body it needs to stay awake. Hot temperatures<\/a> can also make it difficult to get a good night\u2019s sleep as well.<\/p>\n

Tips<\/em><\/strong>: Try to keep a good sleep routine<\/a> by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Use blinds or blackout curtains to ensure your bedroom is dark and use air-conditioning or a fan to keep room temperature ideal for sleeping.<\/em><\/p>\n

Autumn<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Autumn is a time when we prepare to wind down for the hibernation period of winter. Reduced daylight hours affect the circadian rhythm<\/a> and causes the release of more melatonin<\/a>, which can make you feel more tired and sluggish than usual. We don\u2019t necessarily need more sleep during Autumn \u2013 we just feel like we do. As the weather cools and it begins to get darker earlier we may find that our sleep quantity<\/a> improves and sleep becomes something we look forward to at the end of the day.<\/p>\n

Tips<\/strong>: Be sure to get natural light exposure during the day as this helps set your body clock. Keep up your regular exercise schedule as this also helps promote good sleep and a better mood. Temperature levels at night should help with sleep but be wary of turning up the heating too high as being overheated can compromise your sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n

Winter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you think that you\u2019re usually more tired in winter<\/a>, then you\u2019re not imagining it! Less light during the day and more melatonin means that our desire to sleep increases. We are also more likely to turn to comfort food and eat heavier meals which can also make us feel lethargic. However, factors that can make it harder for us to sleep are skipping regular exercise as the weather cools down, and spending too much time sleeping.<\/p>\n

Tips<\/strong>: Continue with your exercise program by changing it up and doing more indoor activities. Avoid the temptation to turn up heating as dry, hot environments can make sleep difficult. Keep alcohol to a minimum, especially at bedtime as it does interfere with your sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sleep hygiene is important all year round<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regardless of how your sleep changes with the seasons, there are several things you can do to improve your sleep.<\/p>\n