Hello, summertime. What makes this season so enjoyable – warm temps and more daylight – can have a downside: It can keep you from sleeping well. That goes for your kids too. Make the most of the season by following these sleep tips for summer. Bonus: You’ll feel more energized to tackle that summer bucket list. Now, who’s ready for summertime zzz’s?
Why is it so much harder to sleep when it’s a little warmer than normal (or a lot warmer)? Your body is hardwired to slide into sleep when it’s cooler. In fact, as part of your body’s pattern of wakefulness and sleep, called your circadian rhythm, your internal temperature drops slightly as bedtime draws near. This natural decrease in temperature signals your brain, “It’s about time for bed, right?” But dropping your internal temperature is more difficult if the atmospheric temperature high, and even harder if there’s humidity in the mix too.
But it’s not just summer’s higher temps that keep you restless, it’s also the sunlight. Depending on where you live in the U.S., you’ll be getting not just a few minutes, but a few more hours of sunny rays. All that daylight is great for spending time outside and making the most of your summer vacation. But it’s harder to fall asleep when it’s bright outside earlier in the morning and later in the evening. That’s not to say you should mourn summertime – just the opposite – but you may have to follow a few strategies when it’s sunny to get to sleep, and stay asleep.
The summer heat shouldn’t be the reason why your quality sleep should sink to the bottom of the swimming pool. Here are some tips designed just for the season that can help you snooze more soundly.
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