According to Popular Science, our bodies naturally tend to sleep more in winter, with research showing people experience longer REM sleep during colder months. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found we get more dream-stage sleep in winter than summer. Sleep specialist Dr. Karin Johnson explains that shorter days boost melatonin levels and disrupt our circadian rhythms, making us feel sleepier even if we don’t technically need more sleep.
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The Science Behind Winter Fatigue
Here’s the thing – we’re fighting against millions of years of evolution. Our bodies are still wired to respond to seasonal changes, even though we live in climate-controlled environments. That melatonin surge Johnson mentions? It’s basically your brain’s way of saying “hey, it’s dark out, maybe we should slow down.” But in modern society, we don’t have that luxury. We’re expected to maintain the same productivity year-round, which creates this constant tension between what our bodies want and what society demands.
And let’s talk about that circadian rhythm disruption. Most people’s work schedules don’t adjust for seasonal changes in daylight. You’re expected to be at your desk at 9 AM whether the sun rose at 6:30 or 8:30. That misalignment between our internal clocks and external demands is why so many people struggle with winter fatigue. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has been sounding the alarm about this for years, but how many workplaces actually accommodate seasonal sleep needs?
The Comfort Food Trap
Now let’s get real about winter eating habits. We all know the drill – when it gets cold, we crave carbs and heavy meals. But here’s what nobody tells you: that comfort food cycle creates a vicious circle. Heavy meals make you lethargic, which makes you less likely to exercise, which makes you even more tired. It’s a biological feedback loop that’s hard to break.
I think we seriously underestimate how much our winter diets contribute to that sluggish feeling. The science is clear – temperature affects our metabolism and digestion, but we’re not having honest conversations about how to eat for energy during colder months instead of just reaching for another bowl of pasta.
The Indoor Generation Problem
This is where it gets really concerning. We’re spending more time indoors than ever before, and winter makes it worse. The indoor generation phenomenon means we’re completely disconnected from natural light cycles. Our ancestors spent most of their waking hours outside, even in winter. We’re lucky if we see the sun during our commute.
So what happens? Our bodies lose their natural cues for when to be awake and when to sleep. Johnson’s recommendation about morning light exposure is crucial, but let’s be honest – how many people actually have time for 30 minutes with a light box before work? We’re treating the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause: modern life is fundamentally mismatched with our biological needs.
Should We Just Sleep More?
The big question is whether we should just surrender to our winter sleepiness. Johnson says to prioritize sleep when it feels natural, but that’s easier said than done when you have responsibilities. The AASM survey data shows people do sleep more in winter, but is that enough?
Here’s my take: we need to stop treating winter sleepiness as a personal failing and start recognizing it as a biological reality. The research on increased REM sleep in winter suggests our brains are doing important work during those extra zzzs. Maybe instead of fighting our bodies, we should be listening to them.
At the end of the day, maybe an extra hour of sleep isn’t laziness – it’s wisdom. Our bodies know what they need, even if our calendars disagree.
