December daze: The sleep struggle is real for many Brits!

In a recent heart-to-heart with a friend, I lamented my chronic sleep struggles, only to find solace in the fact that it’s a shared woe among many. It seems the holiday rush has us all running on empty, clinging to the hope of catching up on sleep between Christmas and New Year’s.

For weeks now, my nights have been restless—tossing, turning, and greeting the ceiling like an old friend. I wake up feeling like wilted spinach, with dark circles blooming and brain fog thickening. Caffeine and forced festive cheer are my reluctant companions until the holidays.

A quick survey among friends and colleagues mirrors my plight, echoing recent research highlighting that 1 in 8 UK adults perpetually feel drained—a sentiment I brought to sleep expert James Leinhardt, founder of Levitex, seeking answers for our exhausted souls.

“December and the winter months often disrupt sleep, leaving us feeling sluggish and unmotivated,” James explains. “The change in daylight hours affects our body’s internal clock, disturbing our circadian rhythm crucial for various bodily functions, including immune system recovery.”

Winter’s reduced sunlight triggers more melatonin production—the ‘sleep hormone’—inducing drowsiness. When our circadian rhythm wavers, our sleep cycle follows suit, as found in a study showing people need more sleep during winter than summer due to seasonal shifts in REM sleep.

Yet, chronic exhaustion isn’t just about winter woes; it can signal underlying mental health concerns. Stress peaks this time, impacting energy levels. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects many, amplifying low mood and fatigue in winter. Seeking professional guidance is crucial if fatigue persists.

What’s the antidote to this winter slumber struggle? James suggests morning sunlight exposure—taking a brisk walk before work—to reset our body clocks and signal daybreak. So, open those curtains wide and let the light in—it might just be the remedy for a good night’s sleep.