The Science of Sleep: How Lighter Evenings Affect Our Well-being

As the clocks spring forward and daylight stretches further into the evening, many of us welcome the change with open arms. However, this subtle shift in time can have a more profound impact on our sleep and mental well-being than we might realise.

The Science Behind Circadian Rhythms

Our bodies operate on a finely tuned internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This 24-hour cycle regulates various physiological processes, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and body temperature. The primary driver of our circadian rhythm is exposure to light, which signals to the brain when it is time to be alert and when it is time to wind down for sleep.

When the clocks move forward in the spring, we are suddenly exposed to longer evenings of natural light. This can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for making us feel sleepy, making it harder to fall asleep at our usual time. The result? A shift in our sleep pattern that can lead to sleep deprivation, increased stress, and reduced cognitive function.

For those already experiencing stress, anxiety, or difficulty unwinding at night, the seasonal shift can exacerbate sleep disturbances. This is where hypnotherapy can play a valuable role. By promoting relaxation and reinforcing positive sleep habits, hypnosis can help reset the mind and body, making it easier to adapt to the new sleep-wake cycle.

How to Improve Sleep After the Clocks Change

If you’re struggling with disrupted sleep due to the lighter evenings, here are a few reminders to help you adjust:

1. Limit evening light exposure – Reduce screen time and dim indoor lighting in the hour before bed to encourage melatonin production.

2. Stick to a consistent schedule – Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm.

3. Get morning sunlight – Exposure to natural light early in the day strengthens your sleep-wake cycle and promotes better rest at night.

4. Practice relaxation techniques – Guided hypnosis, deep breathing, or meditation can calm the nervous system and prepare the brain for sleep.

5. Create a sleep-friendly environment – A cool, dark, and quiet room supports deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

   
   

Embracing the Change

While the adjustment to longer days can disrupt sleep in the short term, understanding the science behind it allows us to take proactive steps to maintain our well-being. If you’re finding it difficult to settle into a healthy sleep pattern, solution-focused hypnotherapy can offer practical techniques to retrain the brain and restore balance. By working with the subconscious mind, hypnosis helps to promote deep relaxation and reinforce the body’s natural sleep processes.

The shift to lighter evenings doesn’t have to mean sleepless nights. With small changes and the right support, you can enjoy the benefits of spring while still prioritising restorative, high-quality sleep.

Would you like to explore how hypnotherapy can help improve your sleep? Get in touch to learn more!