Do long nights throw off my sleep schedule?
Because it is getting dark so early and the days are shorter, some people may experience changes in their sleep schedule and quality. Elise McGlashan, from the University of Melbourne's John Trinder Sleep Laboratory, says shorter days and longer nights mean less sunlight , which can change circadian rhythms. The changing seasons may be changing your body's natural rhythm. (UWA) The circadian rhythm is the internal body clock that regulates sleep . "Those changes in sleep can also be accompanied by changes in timings and function of our internal clock and the function of our clock is mainly driven by environmental light exposure," she says. "In summer, we know the sun might be up until it's close to someone's bedtime, and part of the reason people are sleeping a little longer is they aren't getting those light cues when they're trying to wind down. "But during winter solstice , there is less light and more time to wind down." When th...
