For those who relish the colder months, the relief from oppressive summer humidity is often a welcome change. However, as the days grow shorter and the nights darker, a less-welcomed challenge arises: the impact on sleep.
The abrupt transition to the dark mornings and evenings of autumn can be jarring for even the most ardent cold weather enthusiasts. It’s a shift that can leave many feeling as if they are fighting off sleep long before dinner is served. But it appears this phenomenon is more than a mere personal struggle; it’s a widespread occurrence with scientific roots.
According to Dr. Sue Peacock, a consultant sleep health psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, alterations in natural light can exert a “significant” influence on sleep, overall well-being, and mood.
The early onset of tiredness, which many experience during this season, is far from unusual. Dr. Peacock elaborates on this phenomenon, stating, “Darker evenings can trigger the release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, earlier than usual. This can lead to individuals feeling drowsy sooner than they typically would, especially in dimly-lit environments.”
Moreover, for those struggling to rise and shine in the morning during these darker months, there’s a biological reason behind the difficulty. Dr. Peacock explains that the body’s internal clock still perceives it as nighttime, making the task of getting out of bed even more challenging.
In essence, the changing light patterns of autumn not only affect our sleep but also have a tangible impact on our overall sense of well-being. So, if you find yourself yearning for those sunlit summer evenings, know that your body is experiencing the very real effects of the shifting seasons.
