Snooze Season: How To Adapt Your Sleep Routine to the Changing Weather

Alison

Nov 15, 20233 min read

As the seasons transition and our days become shorter, many of us find ourselves grappling with seasonal depression and its close friend, bad sleep*. The changing weather often brings about a disruption in our sleep patterns, leaving us tossing and turning at night. In this guide, we'll explore practical strategies and habits to cultivate a restful night's sleep, so read on if you want help navigating the challenges of both seasonal changes and sleepless nights.

Sync with your circadian rhythm

Think of your body as a 24-hour dance floor where natural cycles called circadian rhythms dictate the moves. Responding to light and dark cues, these rhythms bring about physical, mental, and behavioural changes, creating a synchronized dance with the sun's daily journey.
This explains why in the summer you can sleep later and wake up feeling more rested, while in the winter you could be in bed at 9 pm and still wake up feeling tired.
One of the easiest ways to work with your circadian rhythm is to control your light exposure to work with the sun. When the sun sets at 5 pm, turn off your bright overhead lights and create a cosy dim atmosphere using lamps, candles and fairy lights. Make sure to turn on the blue light filter on your phone at around the same time too.
Give your mornings a natural boost by opening your curtains and letting the sunlight in as soon as you wake up. It's a simple yet effective way to kickstart your day. If the idea of fully waking up feels too much, no worries—enjoy the sunlight from the comfort of your bed for a while. It's a small change that can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day.

Create a cosy morning environment

We all know that getting out of bed and leaving your cocoon of warmth is one of the hardest things to do on a winter morning. One of the things that help me is preparing a cosy environment to wake up to the night before.
This means making sure all of the dishes are done and the kitchen counters are clean before going to bed. Having my softest robe within arm's reach and comfortable slippers right next to my bed. Setting out my favourite mug next to the kettle in anticipation of a hot drink. Maybe even preparing some healthy breakfast muffins or homemade granola if you feel like making the effort.

When I find myself working from home or savoring a leisurely morning, I indulge in a little ritual that transforms my space into a haven of tranquility. I switch on my Puressentiel Ceramic Diffusor, filling my home with the delightful aroma of my favourite essential oil blends. Currently, the Puressentiel Provence Blend tops my list, whisking me away to the serene landscapes of a French lavender field. It's the perfect touch if you want to add some magic to your morning routine

Stick to a nighttime routine

Now, I won't be the one preaching about abandoning your phone before bedtime—hypocrisy isn't my style. What I've discovered to be important is establishing a consistent bedtime. Trust me, as a self-professed night owl, this was a challenge until I crafted a bedtime routine that worked wonders for my sleep.

I start by spraying my bedroom and bathroom with a few mists of Puressentiel Rest And Relax Air Spray. This blend of 12 essential oils is a relaxation powerhouse, setting the tone for my nighttime skincare routine. While I pamper my skin, I indulge in a guided meditation or a calming ambience playlist.
After I finish my skincare routine I set my alarm for the morning and put my phone aside for the night. My go-to pre-sleep activity is reading, sticking to nonfiction to avoid getting too entangled in a gripping storyline until my eyelids grow heavy.
For those grappling with a restless mind, a change in physical perspective can work wonders. Experiment with putting your pillow at the opposite end of the bed or reclining with legs against the wall—an unconventional trick that surprisingly helps quiet the mind.

I hope that these tips help you conquer your seasonal sleeplessness once and for all! If you have any tips I may have missed out on here, feel free to share them in the comments below or on our social media pages.

*Please seek out advice from a medical professional if you are experiencing any sleep conditions such as insomnia.