Scientific Reason You Sleep More in Winter: Sleeping more in cold weather is not a disease or weakness, but a natural adjustment of the body. Just adjust your daily routine and lighting time slightly.
Snoozing the alarm repeatedly during winter mornings becomes a habit for almost everyone. Even if you have a full night’s sleep, you still don’t feel like getting up. Eyes feel heavy, body lethargic and don’t feel like getting out of the blanket. Is it just laziness or is there any scientific reason behind it? Let us know why we sleep so much in winter and what is its deep relation with the biological system of our body.
Big change in biological clock
Our body works on a circadian rhythm, i.e. a 24-hour natural pattern of sleep and wakefulness. In winter the sun rises late and sets early, giving us less sunlight exposure. When there is less light, more melatonin hormone (sleep hormone) starts being produced in the body. This hormone makes us feel sleepy and that is why we sleep more in winter. According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, melatonin secretion increases by 30–50% in people in winter.
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Cold temperature puts the body in hibernation mode
The body tries to save its energy in cold weather. When the outside temperature is low, the body starts conserving internal heat. In this state, metabolic activity slows down a bit, which reduces energy burn and the body feels the need for rest i.e. sleep. This is similar to how animals become less active and more rest in winter i.e. hibernation!
Overeating and high-carb diet in winter is also a reason
During cold days, we often eat heavy and carbohydrate-rich food like potatoes, parathas, sweets or hot soups. Carbohydrates increase the body’s “feel-good” hormone called serotonin, which is then converted into melatonin. As a result, laziness and sleep increases after filling the stomach. Eat light and protein-rich food during the day so that blood sugar remains balanced and sleep does not increase excessively.
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Fatigue and sleepiness due to vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D level decreases due to less sunlight in winter. This vitamin is essential for energy regulation and mood balance in the body. Problems like fatigue, sleep and low energy are common due to low vitamin D. According to Harvard Health report, 60% of people experience fatigue related to Vitamin D deficiency in winter.
changing sleep quality patterns
In winter the nights are long and the body normally goes into sleep mode early. Although we sleep late (due to phone or TV), but from inside the body demands early sleep and more rest. That’s why it seems difficult to wake up in the morning because there is a mismatch between body clock and lifestyle.
Slow blood circulation and lethargy due to less activity.
Due to cold, the blood vessels of our body become constricted. Due to this, the blood flow slows down a bit and the supply of oxygen to the brain also decreases slightly. The result is that the brain goes into a relaxed mode and you start feeling sleepy or napping frequently.