5 Tips to Sleep Well During the Summer to Fall Transition
September is here, and soon the world will be transitioning from a pool bag to a school backpack. With the nights growing colder, there is no better time to snuggle up on the couch with a warm blanket to admire the foliage outdoors.
However, the summer to fall transition can be a sleep-altering season thanks to rapid weather changes. One day it can be hot, and the next day you won’t be able to go out without a jacket. These changes can throw off your sleep pattern. However there are several ways to deal with these changes and get the best sleep possible.
1. Regulate Your Surroundings
Typically, people find it hard to sleep in warm rooms, so summer tends to be a difficult season to obtain a good night of sleep. However, everyone has a different skin temperature that is ideal for sleep. So, your task during the transition period is to find your perfect sleep temperature.
Once you figure out your ideal temperature, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature. You can use a portable fan or open and close the blinds as required to regulate the temperature in your bedroom. Additionally, you might also want to use a humidifier. Cold weather can lead to your skin getting dry and your lips getting chapped. Using a humidifier can help you moisturize your skin and the air, thereby preventing dry skin, asthma, allergies, congestion, and more.
2. Change Your Decor
Your bedroom décor can also significantly impact your sleep pattern. To adorn your bedroom in a fall-based theme, begin by switching to linen bedding, a thicker blanket, flannel sheet, fluffy comforter, and lots of comfy pillows. This will add instant coziness and texture to your bedroom.
When it comes to other aspects of your bedroom, consider softening your bedroom with a little bit of lighting. For instance, you can add a bedside lamp with a low-watt bulb. Nevertheless, make sure you choose bulbs with warm tones. You might want to add curtains in a dark color too. The darker the colors, the cozier the feel.
3. Find Both Cooling and Heating Items
You may require an electric blanket for chilly nights. Much like a cooling pillow, an electric blanket can keep you warm during colder nights and give you a quality night’s sleep. You might also want to use space heaters.
Additionally, make sure your mattress is as comfortable and supportive as possible. If your mattress isn’t giving you the proper support you require, get one that suits your specific sleep style. Consider investing in a cooling mattress or lightweight sheets to help regulate the body temperature on warmer nights.
4. Stick to a Schedule
Like animals hibernating, humans also switch into hibernation mode during the summer to fall transition period. With the end of daylight savings time, the amount of light that reaches earth decreases. The lack of exposure to sunlight can alter your body’s natural circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock). Hence, you must stick to a consistent sleep schedule to get the recommended eight hours a night.
Additionally, ensure you continuously expose yourself to natural light to keep your body clock on track. If natural light is limited at your home, move your desk to a sunny spot where you can bask in sunlight every day. Sunlight exposure induces hormones that help you wake up and feel refreshed.
5. Combat Allergies
Seasonal transitions can result in various forms of allergies. They can disturb you both day and night. You might want to make some simple changes to your sleeping environment to combat nighttime allergies.
Start by trading out any feather pillows and down comforters for bedding made with synthetic materials. Anything made of feathers is a big no for allergies. You can also use zippered covers for your pillow, box spring, and mattress for easy washability to keep dust mites at bay. When it comes to bedding, choose things that can be easily washed and dried on high heat.
Don’t Let the Transition Affect Your Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial to wake up and feel like the best version of yourself. When you are well-rested, you will have the energy to get through the day and check off all the to-dos on your list without ever feeling tired. Unfortunately, a lot of people struggle to get enough sleep during seasonal changes. By better understanding the seasonal changes and their impact on your sleep, you will easily clock quality sleep hours.
