Sleep and Eating Routines During the Summer Months
Do you find that you sleep differently during the summer vs. the winter?
Summer is here! The sun is out, and the days are getting longer, which means it’s a great time to spend some time outdoors & on the land, plan family trips and play with the kids. That being said, it can really shake up your daily routine.
Do you find that you sleep differently during the summer vs. the winter? Many people have issues sleeping in the summer because:
- Longer days make it much harder to go to bed on time. With a late sunset or no sunset at all, everything that you might normally do in the winter may be pushed back because there is more daylight.
- There’s a lot more light & the temperature is warmer. The longer we see the sun, the longer our bodies will tell us it’s time to be awake. Also, when your room is warmer, it can be harder to cool the body down, which makes it harder to fall asleep.
- Our schedule changes. Many things like spending lots of time on the land, summer trips, social time with family and friends and eating meals later in the day can all make it hard to fall asleep.
The Importance of Keeping a Routine
We are often told that we need to get 8 hours of sleep, but you might need anywhere from 7 to 10 hours of sleep. If you’re feeling very sleepy after lunchtime, this could mean that you’re not getting enough sleep.
Summer can get very busy, which means you might end up skipping some meals or eating more quick and easy processed foods such as those from your favourite fast-food restaurants, like Tim Hortons. If you’re tired, you’re also more likely to eat more and want these types of foods, which can be bad for your heart health. Heavy meals can also make you feel sluggish and make you want to sleep more during the day and not as much at night.
Routines don’t have to be boring; they can be enjoyable and provide many health benefits. They can help you manage stress, sleep better, eat healthier and be more active. Not everyone requires a fully scheduled day, but routines can help you make healthier choices and get the most out of your time. Here are some things that you can do to help get you into a routine:
If you think you might forget to do certain things, you can use reminders or notifications to help you remember. For example, you can set a reminder for when it’s time to go to bed.
Tips to Help Keep a Routine in the Summer
Have a regular bedtime routine.
If you follow the same steps each night before going to bed, such as brushing your teeth and putting on your pajamas, these will become cues that tell your body it is time for sleep. Choosing a regular time to wake up and go to bed can also help you sleep better.
Cut down on evening screen time.
Using smartphones and other devices before bed can impact your sleep. To avoid this, try not to use your devices at least an hour before bed.
Move your body.
If you add some regular activity to your day, this can help you to fall asleep easier at night. Don’t workout too close to bedtime though, your body needs a couple of hours to wind down before bed.
Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time.
Regular meals and snacks are very important to help you maintain your blood sugar levels and to keep you awake during the day. If you can plan your meals and snacks ahead of time, you will know exactly what you’re eating and when, so you don’t have to worry about it. Try having dinner earlier in the evening, about 3-4 hours before bedtime, to give your body time to digest after eating a meal.
A routine can help you add healthier habits into what you already do. What’s one thing you can do to help plan your day?
References
Health Benefits of Having a Routine
What you do every day matters: The power of routines
Why Is Sleeping in the Summer Is Different Than in the Winter