Sleep variations in humans can be influenced by changes in day length and natural sunlight. Available daylight is different per season (shorter days in winter), which is why we find ourselves wanting to sleep more in winter. We have a master circadian clock in our brains, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is controlled by light signals sent via cells in our eyes. This network ultimately determines our sleep-wake cycles, which is why it various so much by day light, which is various depending on seasonal. Mimicking daylight (with artificial gadgets like Happy Light during winter) can even out these variations throughout the year.
It is proven that People's sleep patterns and needs do change with the seasons, people tend to sleep longer in winter and shorter in summer, with the largest effects seen in children and the elderly. The duration of the day during different seasons affects the circadian rhythms. The primary cue for circadian rhythms is light. Longer daylight in summer and shorter days in winter shift the timing of the body's internal clock, affecting sleep onset, wake times, and hormone release. temperature plays a role, too. Studies show that Higher temperatures in summer can reduce sleep quality and duration. Additionally, the sleep hormone Melatonin is secreted in response to darkness, so Longer nights in winter increase melatonin duration, while shorter summer nights reduce it. Our circadian patterns influence other hormones like Cortisol (a stress hormone), leptin, and growth hormone, too. Their timing and amplitude are influenced by seasonal light changes, too. Thank you https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassan-fakher-md-322615244/ Please contact me in case you have any additional questions Dr.fakher@invigormedical.com Dr.Seyed Hassan Fakher MD
Neuroscientist | Scientific Consultant in Physics & Theoretical Biology | Author & Co-founder at VMeDx
Answered 6 months ago
Good Day, Q: How and why do people's sleep needs change with seasons? The seasonal changes in light shift the internal clock. The winter short days increase the melatonin production due to which people tend to sleep very early and sleep for prolonged durations; the longer daylight of summer delays the secretion of melatonin with resulting late onset of sleep with reduced duration. Q: In winter times, why do people generally feel more sleep need? Longer nights with cooler temperatures increase the level of melatonin thereby promoting sleep onset and good sleep. The mood changes are also aggravated by seasonal affective disorder, thus further contributing to increased fatigue requiring more rest. Q: What is the seasonal variation of sleep architecture? More REM sleep is generally expected in winter due to prolonged sleep, but winter sleep may also be more fragmented. Deep sleep continues to be more or less constant. Light exposure mainly affects the timing and quality but not the architecture. Q: Are sleep disturbances seasonal? Yes. During summer, a lot of insomnia arises from daytime heat and late light; the winter is met with sleepiness and fatigue, especially with seasonal mood changes. Circadian rhythm disorders worsen with seasonal change. Q: What is the best way to compensate for sleep during odd hours through the year? Be consistent with your sleep-wake schedule, get morning light in winter, minimize evening light exposure in summer, keep your bedroom cool and dark, avoid screen time before sleeping, and engage in daily exposure to natural light for circadian support. If you decide to use this quote, I'd love to stay connected! Feel free to reach me at gregorygasic@vmedx.com and outreach@vmedx.com.