Dr. Vincent Viscomi, CHI Memorial Regional Sleep Center; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical SocietyQ: After the end of the Daylight Savings Time, I frequently find myself more tired than usual despite getting the same amount of sleep. Why does this happen to me?
A: It’s not uncommon to have a increased sleepiness during the winter months due to a lack of light. For some, the shorter days cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which can result in signs of depression and a premature desire to crawl into bed. To combat the increased desire to sleep, stick to a sleep routine: Try to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends, avoid long naps in the middle of the day and retire at the same time daily. If you’re particularly sensitive to the time change and the loss of sunlight, find ways to get natural light during the workday. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake before your bedtime, expose yourself to a brightly lit environment later in the day. And if you’re struggling to fall asleep, do just the opposite.
– Dr. Vincent Viscomi, CHI Memorial Regional Sleep Center; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society