Have you ever noticed that the time of year affects your sleep patterns? You're not crazy to think that the different times of year and seasons, along with changes in weather and light, certainly effect the quality and type of sleep we're getting.
Shorter Days = Shorter Nights (sleep)?
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, you might imagine that more time in darkness would lead to more sleep, but it's actually not the case. Less and less Vitamin D actually ends up decreasing our serotonin levels which are important for the sleep-wake cycle. Loss of Vitamin D is also associated with greater daytime sleepiness.
PRO TIP - If you work indoors, make sure to step outside for a few minutes in the peak of the day.
Cooler Air = Better Zzz's?
The temperature drop may seem like a nuisance for many reasons, but cooler air can actually help you sleep better. The optimal room temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees, so hot summer sleep is definitely not as good as the Zzz's you can nab during winter months. Take advantage by saving energy and money - keep your thermostat in the ideal zone!
Winter = More Sickness?
You've of course heard of "the flu season" - a very real time of year in which illness spikes across the country. This is always during colder months, when we also see an increase in the use of indoor hearing, humidifiers and other sinus irritants. All these, along with feeling crummy, can affect the quality of your sleep. Be sure to take extra good care of yourself, pack in the Vitamin C and always wash your hands multiple times a day.
