Winter brings cozy blankets and warm drinks and with it the desire to hibernate, sleep and never leave your bed.
As a result, cold weather has a significant impact on one’s sleep patterns. According to Continental Hospitals, some people may experience restlessness, insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles, while others enjoy better sleep in cooler weather.
The human body has an internal thermostat called thermoregulation. It helps regulate body temperature for optimal functioning.
When a person sleeps, their core temperature naturally drops by 1° to 2° Celsius, signaling their body that it’s time to rest. A cool environment can support this process, making it easier to fall asleep directly.
However, it is also important to note that extreme cold weather can increase the body’s effort to maintain heat. This leads to poor sleep quality. A person may shiver or wake up frequently if their bedroom is too cold. This disrupts the deep sleep their body needs.
Darkness increases due to longer winter nights. This can trigger the body to produce more melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.
It can also disrupt one’s internal clock, making one feel tired during the day while feeling sleepy at the same time.