The Sleep Doctor’s Guide To Sleeping Well In Winter

Today's blog post is from an article by Dr. Michael Breus:

It’s not official by the calendar yet, but with the time change behind us and wintry weather across sections of the U.S., we’re already well launched into the winter season. Like any other time of year, winter can bring both enhancements and challenges to a healthy sleep routine. Short days and long nights can make for cozy, quiet, restful evenings. For many people, the quick pace of the fall quiets down a bit during winter, helping us slow down and relax.

But there are also pitfalls to watch for. The extended darkness leads to changes in circadian rhythms, which can throw our sleep routines off course, and leave us feeling sluggish, low-energy, and tired—even after a long night spent in bed. Millions of people, particularly those in the northern areas of the U.S., cope with wintertime Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can have a significant negative impact on sleep and mood, as well as appetite and energy levels for things like exercise.

The key to sleeping well in winter? Know what to watch for in changes to your sleep. Know the daily habits—both good and bad—that are likely to affect your ability to rest at night. Here are my top sleep tips for the season: the most important things to pay attention to this winter, for sleeping well right through until spring.

Although the first day of winter is coming up this Friday.

Here are his tips (I failed miserably at the first one last night!):

• Don’t wind down too early
• Keep up with exercise
• Know your Vitamin D
• Watch the nighttime snacking
• Tend to your gut health
• Seek out sunlight (or any light)
• Stay warm at night—but not too warm

Actually, I failed pretty miserably at all of them!

We’ve got a long winter ahead of us. With a little planning and some daily attention, this season can be a restful one, full of relaxation and plenty of nourishing rest. 

Interesting days

Today - Maple Syrup Day, Wright Brothers Day and A Blue Christmas

Tomorrow - Bake Cookies Day, International Migrants Day, Arabic Language Day, Roast Suckling Pig Day and A Blue Christmas

Next Monday - Eggnog Day and A Blue Christmas

January 17 - Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day, Cable Car Day, Women’s Healthy Weight Day and Kid Inventors’ Day