{"id":138980,"date":"2023-10-09T14:10:36","date_gmt":"2023-10-09T14:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/?p=138980"},"modified":"2023-10-09T14:10:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T14:10:36","slug":"the-real-reason-you-struggle-to-wake-up-at-the-moment-and-8-ways-to-combat-it-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magdelaine.net\/lifestyle\/the-real-reason-you-struggle-to-wake-up-at-the-moment-and-8-ways-to-combat-it-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"The real reason you struggle to wake up at the moment – and 8 ways to combat it | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

WE'RE certainly not in the depths of winter yet, but many of us are fighting tooth and nail to get out of bed each morning. <\/p>\n

The days when sunlight gently peeked through our curtains before our alarms went off seem long gone. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

If you're hitting snooze multiple times in a row and your body seems confused by how dark it is outside, you're not alone. <\/p>\n

According to consultant sleep health psychologist Dr Sue Peacock, the reason you're struggling to crawl out of bed in the morning is because your body still thinks it's nighttime. <\/p>\n

The ambassador for\u00a0Opera Beds told Huffington Post that you might feel the effects of this on your concentration and mood throughout the day. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe decrease in natural light can impact our cognitive functioning," she explained. <\/p>\n

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\u201cReduced alertness and concentration levels during the day are common complaints when the evenings get darker earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

With the sun setting earlier each day too, you might notice that you're feeling sleepier during the darker evenings. <\/p>\n

That's because your body is releasing melatonin – the hormone promoting sleep – earlier.<\/p>\n

That can especially be the case if you're getting cosy in dimly lit rooms in the evening. <\/p>\n

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Dr Peacock suggested eight ways to combat the effects of reduced natural light if you're feeling your mood and productivity dipping as it gets colder. <\/p>\n

1. Spend more time in natural light <\/h2>\n

Firstly, she suggested making a point of spending time outdoors in the natural light during the day. <\/p>\n

And if you have to stay inside to work, make sure to throw open your curtains and blinds, she added. <\/p>\n

2. Regulate your sleep schedule <\/h2>\n

Consistency is key for fine-tuning your body clock and getting your sleep schedule in check, Dr Peacock said. <\/p>\n

She advised you go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time every day. <\/p>\n

It's also a good idea to get out of bed shortly after your alarm goes off she added, rather than snoozing it or staying in bed scrolling. <\/p>\n

3. Get moving <\/h2>\n

Thought it might be the last thing you want to do in the morning before work or after leave the office<\/span>, getting some exercise in can do wonders for your mood and energy levels, Dr Peacock shared. <\/p>\n

Even a short walk during your lunch break can do the trick.<\/p>\n

4. Have a wind-down routine <\/h2>\n

It's a good idea to create a routine that will signal to your body it's time to wind down and sleep. <\/p>\n

Try doing calming things, like taking a warm bath, reading a book or practising some relaxation techniques. <\/p>\n

The NHS recommends doing some breathing exercises to get rid of stress, either sitting in a chair or lying on a yoga mat or bed. <\/p>\n

Breathe gently and regularly, in through your nose and out through your mouth, counting steadily from one to five for each one. <\/p>\n

5. Make the perfect sleep environment <\/h2>\n

Make sure there's nothing in your room that will disturb you. <\/p>\n

Keep it cool, dark and quiet and night. Dr Peacock also said comfortable and supportive pillows and a mattress can help. <\/p>\n

6. Declutter your room <\/h2>\n

The sleep expert suggested decluttering your room to create more space, improve air circulation and help your mood. <\/p>\n

Make sure you can get as much light in as possible, she added. <\/p>\n

7. Consider light therapy <\/h2>\n

Some people might fall victim to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – also known as "winter depression" – as it gets darker and colder outside. <\/p>\n

According to the NHS, symptoms of SAD can include:<\/p>\n