How does the change of seasons affect the quality and hours of our sleep?

Arab Weather - Sleep is an essential part of human life, and plays a vital role in maintaining general health. It not only improves mood, but also enhances cognitive performance and the ability to think and focus. Its impact also extends to the quality of work and social life, as good or bad sleep directly reflects on our daily lives.

Health risks of lack of sleep

Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis increases your risk of many diseases and health disorders. These include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and even dementia. Dr. Mariska Brown, a sleep expert at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), explains that good sleep depends on three main factors:

1. Amount of sleep: The number of hours a person sleeps is very important to ensure the health of the body.
2. Sleep quality: Sleep should be refreshing, continuous, and free of interruptions.
3. Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule plays a big role in improving overall health.

The effect of sleep on the immune system

Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 are advised to sleep at least 7 hours a night. Lack of sleep reduces the body’s production of proteins known as cytokines, which boost immunity and protect the body from viruses and bacteria. According to Verywell Health, these proteins play an important role in supporting white blood cells that fight disease.

Factors affecting sleep

Several factors influence sleep quality, including mood, age, gender, and income level. These factors interfere with an individual's sleep chronotype, affecting how well-rested a person feels after waking up.

The effect of changing seasons on sleep

One factor that affects sleep is the change of seasons. During the winter, many people have difficulty waking up in the morning due to the cold and the need for more sleep. A recent study confirms that people actually need more hours of sleep during the winter compared to the summer.

Even in urban environments where artificial lighting is the primary source of light, studies show that people experience seasonal changes in their sleep patterns. According to Dr. Dieter Kunz, head of the Sleep and Time Medicine Clinic at St. Hedwig Hospital in Berlin, these differences are more pronounced in people who live in rural areas and are more dependent on natural light.

The effect of artificial lighting on sleep

A previous study suggests that exposure to artificial light before bed can suppress the secretion of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This hormone is produced by the pineal gland and plays a role in maintaining the body's natural circadian rhythm.

A new German study using detailed sleep recordings of 188 people has found that even those who live in cities and are only exposed to artificial light experience seasonal changes in their sleep patterns. The study found that participants slept an hour longer in December than in June, and that REM sleep — the most active stage of sleep — was about 30 minutes longer in winter than in summer.

Effect of other seasons on sleep

Studies show that sleep patterns vary with each season. In the spring, sleep is affected by seasonal allergies caused by pollen, which reduces the quality of sleep due to sneezing and coughing. In the summer, excessive exposure to light and high temperatures affect the body's ability to sleep deeply.

In the fall, as daylight saving time changes to winter time and the number of night hours increases, many people feel lethargic and sleepy in the early evening, which affects their daily lifestyle.

Sleep Deficiency and Excess: Effects on Health

A recent Norwegian study confirms that too much sleep has negative effects similar to too little sleep. People who slept less than 6 hours per night or more than 9 hours were more likely to get infections than those who slept between 7 and 8 hours.

Sleep is not just an activity we do every day, it is a critical factor in human health and quality of life. Getting enough and uninterrupted sleep, while maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of disease.

See also:

Good sleep in winter protects you from diseases

What effect does the change of seasons have on sleep?