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Does it seem like you have a harder time falling asleep when the summer sun is blazing? You're not alone. Many people experience more difficulty sleeping during the warmer months. The reasons might surprise you, and luckily, there's a delicious, natural remedy waiting for you at the end of this read.
The Science Behind Your Summer Insomnia: The Top 5 Reasons, Uncovered
Summer might bring to mind the notion of relaxation and tranquility with its long, sunny days and warm, comfortable nights. But if you're finding it hard to sleep during these supposedly idyllic months, you're not alone. Here are five main reasons why you might be having trouble catching those summer z's:
1. Longer Daylight Hours
In summer, the extended hours of daylight can disrupt your body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm is heavily influenced by exposure to light and darkness, with darkness signaling your brain to release melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. However, with daylight lingering late into the evening, your brain might delay this crucial melatonin release, keeping you alert when you should be winding down.
2. Early Sunrises
On the other end of the spectrum, the sun rises early during summer, potentially rousing you from sleep prematurely. Especially if your bedroom isn't adequately shielded from light, those bright morning rays can intrude on your sleep. This can disrupt your sleep cycle and leave you feeling fatigued, even if you technically had a full night's sleep.
3. Hotter Temperatures
A key factor that influences sleep quality is your body temperature. For optimal sleep, your body's core temperature needs to drop slightly. During summer, high nighttime temperatures can prevent this cooling down process, making it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. You might find yourself tossing and turning or waking frequently, leading to a less restful night's sleep.
4. Changes in Routine
Summer often brings with it a shift in routine. School's out, holidays are planned, and daily schedules can become inconsistent. This inconsistency can disrupt your body's accustomed sleep schedule, leading to potential bouts of insomnia. Whether it's staying up late on vacation or rising early for a special day trip, these alterations to your usual routine can unsettle your sleep pattern.
5. Increased Stress Levels
Although summer is often depicted as a carefree time, it can come with its share of stressors. Juggling work with kids out of school, planning vacations, and trying to make the most of the summer months can all add to your stress levels. Stress is a well-known enemy of sleep, keeping your brain active and your body tense when you should be relaxing into restful sleep.
Nitey Nite & Our Other Favorite Products For Better Sleep
If the summer months are leaving you wide-eyed at night, there's a soothing, natural sleep tea that might just be the thing you've been looking for. Nitey Nite tea is a perfect blend of six herbs, each chosen for its unique sleep-supporting benefits:
- Passionflower puts a stop to those racing thoughts and eases worry, making room for peaceful dreams.
- Valerian and California Poppy are nature's sedatives, promoting a deep, restful sleep without the grogginess often associated with synthetic sleep aids.
- Chamomile and Spearmint are the gentle giants of stress relief, helping to soothe tension and support digestion, preparing your body for a good night's sleep.
- Lastly, Clove lends a touch of warmth and comfort and can help signal to your body that it's time to start winding down for sleep.
In addition to Nitey Nite, there are some other awesome sleep products that make drifting off a little bit easier. Check out this soft sleep mask that creates instant darkness even on early nights, this incredible white noise machine that creates consistent soothing background noise, and this sleep journal that helps you understand the importance of an intentional evening routine and good sleep hygiene. I hope this helps! Sleep tight, my friends.
Thanks so much for reading! If you enjoyed this blog, check out this better sleep shopping guide: The Best Teas, Foods, & Natural Products To Help You Get The Sleep You Need This Summer
Order Nitey Nite tea here: Don't let sleepless nights steal your sunshine!