“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” ― Edith Sitwell
This quote is so apt but when the winds are so chilly, every plan gets shelved.
The worst of all is the fact that our sleep gets impaired. When winters arrive, they bring cooler temperature and minimum daylight. Also, the cold temperature and chilly winds disrupt our sleep schedule. It has been observed that we sleep 40 minutes less in winters.
Also, sometimes we keep tossing around because of cold, which can affect our health. Thus, it is important to practice healthy sleeping habits.
Seasonal change is the reality, and as humans, we have to cope with them. We can use some tricks or tips that will help us sleep better even with cold all around. These tips will help everyone to not only beat the cold winds but also to sleep peacefully at night.
Contrary to the popular belief, a cool bedroom is more effective for a good night’s sleep. No matter how tempting it gets, don’t turn up the heat as it’s not what your body needs. Health experts believe that the best temperature for your bedroom in winters is 65F (18C).
If you have a thermostat, switch it on before your sleeping time. You can even crack open a window or start the fan for a while.
Since your bedroom will be a little cold, invest in some comfortable blankets. Make sure that the blanket you use is warm enough to make you feel cozy. Also, use flannel or silk bedding as they are more comfortable and cozy. Cotton beddings are good too, but silk ones are better for a better night's sleep.
In winters the daylight is limited and even its quality is not great. So, invest in some great lights as they can ensure best night’s sleep.
A good lighting system also helps in circadian rhythms. Prolong your day by using good artificial lights. This will make you feel relaxed and help you get ready for sleep. You can even use a sun clock so that you can wake up early in the morning.
Maintain a sleep schedule and hygiene as it is crucial for sleeping better. Some things to remember for this are:
A seasonal affective disorder is a condition which makes people depressed due to the weather outside. So, if the cold temperature and short days are making you uncomfortable or depressed, take precautions. Start taking walks in daylight, go for a run or just relax with friends in the Sun. This will help you keep up the energy and positivity and not feel anxious about winters.
Winters comes with a lot of festivals and holidays. This means family gatherings, lots of cooking and attending to guests. Sometimes, this can make people stressed. And stress and winter are not a good combination. It can make you lose sleep or disrupt your sleep patterns. Thus, it is important that you take care of yourself and keep a tab on stress levels. If you feel extremely stressed, meditate or do something relaxing so that sleep comes easily to you.
Taking massage is will relax your body and uplift your mood. Also, a great massage helps you to have a good night’s sleep.
A cold room is beneficial for a good sleep, but not cold feet. So, make sure your feet are warm. For this either warm toes with your partner or use warm socks and hot bottle. Additionally, also check sleep requirements of babies.
Winters are coming, and it’s time to take extra care of yourself and others. With these tips, it will be easier for you to sleep peacefully.
Kathy Mitchell is a writer and avid researcher on the subject of beauty, nutrition, and general wellness. She likes to go out with her friends, travel, swim and practice yoga.