Winter is characterized by shorter, darker days as well as a propensity to sleep more. Although it is true that we sleep more in the winter, this does not necessarily imply that we require more sleep. Your mattress could also be blamed for it. Okay, jokes apart, let us now dive deep and understand the science behind this.

How Much Sleep Do We Need in Winter?

While the ideal time is between seven to nine hours, irrespective of the weather, sleep experts have something to add. It is said that healthy adults tend to need an additional one to two and a half hours of sleep. This is mainly because the days are short and the weather is gloomy, automatically making the body tired and sleepy.

Reasons Why We Sleep More During Winter

Shorter Days and Cooler Temperatures
Colder temperatures can also speed up our metabolism, increasing our need for food and sleep. Early sunsets and shorter days may cause an earlier rise in melatonin production, which can be draining.

Less Exposure to the Sun
Many people, especially in Dubai, often feel sleepy and fatigue and this is due to the lack of vitamin D. Now imagine during winter, when the exposure to the sun is lessened, you are likely to feel sleepier and not want to get out of bed.

Holiday Stress
From hosting gatherings to spending money on gifts, several downsides to the holidays should be discussed more. Apart from this, the consumption of alcohol and indulgence in a wider variety of foods all of which contribute to a more sluggish version of yourself.

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Depression of this kind is frequently seen in the fall and winter and is associated with seasonal changes. It can make it difficult for you to get a good night's sleep, making you excessively sleepy during the day. Other signs and symptoms include mood swings, intense sadness, withdrawal, and low energy, all of which can increase your propensity to curl up in bed and fall asleep. Ask your doctor about treatment options if you exhibit these symptoms.