Help yourself get a better night’s sleep as the cooler weather creeps in
It’s the season of fluffy socks, cosy quilts and long nights snuggled up by the fire, so you would think that these colder months would result in the perfect night’s sleep. However, for many, cold temperatures and long nights wreak havoc on both sleep quality and quantity.
Soak Up That Sunlight
The main culprit contributing to the lack of sleep is the hours of daylight being significantly less than in the summer months. Our bodies have a hormone that help us prepare for sleep, melatonin, which needs sunlight to be triggered. With the morning sun not being as bright and the sun setting earlier in the evening, our bodies simply aren’t exposed to as much sunlight, meaning we won’t experience the highs and lows of melatonin production. This can result in us feeling tired during the day and we don’t get that extra push of melatonin at night to help our bodies power down for bed.
Up and at ‘Em
We may not be able to change the amount of sunlight in the winter months, but there are other things we can do to help our body adjust to the changes. Trying to get outdoors in the morning, as soon as the sun comes up, is a good way to start to counteract these seasonal changes. This may not be possible, with many of us going to work while it is still dark, so try to sit by a window for a couple of hours when daylight makes an appearance. Going for a walk during your lunch break is also highly recommended, as it’s another great opportunity to expose yourself to natural light.
Maintaining regular exercise is also important. Whilst going out on a walk or run may not seem appealing when it’s so cold you can see each breath you take, doing at least 30 minutes of exercise most days can help you to use up more energy, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Keep It Cool
Regulating the temperature in your house can also contribute to a better night’s sleep. It’s important not to overheat your house, something that we’re all tempted to do when it’s so cold outside. If your bedroom is on a higher floor, the heat in your home will rise, potentially making the bedroom too hot which can lead to an uncomfortable night’s sleep. The cold weather also results in us closing our bedroom windows, making the air dry. This can cause irritation to your nose and throat, resulting in poor sleep. To prevent this, consider having a humidifier in your bedroom to help clear the air.
Sleep is important year-round, but getting the right amount of sleep, at the correct time, is particularly important during the winter months when colder weather and darker days can make things trickier. Try to fight the urge to nap, especially when you’re wrapped up warm in front of the fire, as this will impact how you sleep through the night.
Of course, making sure you have the right bed – and comfortable linens – can do wonders for the quality and quantity of sleep. Pop in to see our luxurious range, we’d love to help.