More Sun, Less Sleep? How to Stay Rested as the Seasons Change

As the days grow longer and the clocks shift forward, many of us feel the impact of Spring on our sleep. If you've been struggling to fall asleep, waking in the night, and feeling groggy, you're not alone! Changes in daylight and routine can throw off your natural sleep rhythms, but small adjustments can help you rest well.

Why Spring Affects Sleep

With more daylight and the shift to Daylight Savings, our body's melatonin (sleep hormone) and cortisol (wakefulness hormone) cycles can become unbalanced. Melatonin helps signal when it’s time to sleep, while cortisol helps us feel alert in the morning. If these hormones are out of sync, we may struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up refreshed.

Practice at Home:

Try these simple practices to help your body adjust to the seasonal changes:

• Get morning sunlight – Step outside for at least 10 minutes in the morning to regulate your body’s natural clock and get as much natural light as possible throughout the day.

• Keep a consistent bedtime – Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, even on weekends.

• Reduce evening light exposure – Dim the lights and avoid screens at least an hour before bed to support melatonin production.

• Incorporate movement – Gentle movement or exercise during the day helps regulate cortisol levels.

• Manage stress – Guided imagery, breathwork, or a short meditation in the evening can help your body wind down.

What small shift can you make today to support your sleep this spring? Wishing you restful nights and energized mornings!

Hope to see you this Spring!
Nicole