Rain and other wet weather can really affect your sleeping patterns.
Have you ever noticed when waking up to a sunny day and it is heavenly but when you wake up on a rainy day you can’t seem to drag yourself out of bed? This is a common theme around the world. There are many different ways the weather and seasons can affect your sleeping patterns. Let’s take a look at how weather affects your sleep as well as some tips on how to fight off drowsiness.
Lack of Light
As daylight savings time ends, you may notice your eyes getting heavier earlier as the sun sets in the early evening. The sun is our main source of vitamin D. But when we miss out on seeing the sun because of our work hours, we don’t get the vitamin D our bodies need. Vitamin D is also a source of serotonin that regulated our moods and helps to deflect depression. The change in seasons can also lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is categorized by depressive episodes taking place during times of seasonal changes.
Melatonin
Another reason you are feeling so groggy during the winter is the melatonin in your body. Melatonin helps to regular the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Lack of light can cause the body to overproduce this chemical, leaving you feeling sluggish and tired. Not only can light affect melatonin levels but cold air can also slow down production. But instead of turning up the heat in your home, try covering up with more blankets instead. If the air from your furnace is too dry or warm, it can dry out your body’s mucus membranes making you susceptible to bacteria and viruses.
Eating Habits
In the summertime, people tend to eat natural sugars from the abundance of fresh fruits available. But during the winter months, our sugars come from dense carbohydrates such as cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Many of the winter holidays focus on sugary, high-calorie foods that can impact the body’s hormone levels. Associated with metabolism and appetite, the hormone leptin is influenced by eating copious amounts of these foods. This change in the leptin levels can disrupt the body’s sleep cycle and even continue these disruptions to further disrupt these hormone levels.
Getting Back on Track
One of the main things you can do is try to absorb as much of the sun as possible. This will help you get vitamin D and regular melatonin. If the sun isn’t shining, eat foods like salmon, tuna, fortified juices and milk, and even egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D by using a supplement during the winter in order to get your daily requirements. Using brighter lightbulbs can also help to switch off your melatonin. When it is time for bed, turn off your light and lie down in a dimly lit or dark room. Find a comfortable position on your new mattress and slowly drift off to sleep. When you lie down in a dimly lit room, your body will produce melatonin to help you get to sleep. Don’t let the winter months destroy your sleep schedule!
Shop All American Mattress
One of the simplest ways to turn sleep into a treasure and not a chore is to find a mattress that makes you seriously comfortable. This will not only get you excited about sleep, but it will make it easier to have a restful night. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local mattress and furniture experts at All American Mattress. Stop by or contact All American Mattress at 410-451-9006 today! We have all of the brand names you know and trust at affordable prices. With the areas only commission-free sales staff, All American Mattress’ staff will help you pick out the right bed for your comfort and your budget.
Tags: Sleep Tips, Tips