5 Tips for Sleeping Great During Winter

Some of us may be getting ready to go into full hibernation mode this winter season, while others are getting ready to start their annual struggle of trying to get even a wink of sleep.

Here’s some good news for those who struggle—there are ways to prepare for the effects the new change in the weather can have on our sleep quality and quantity. 

Wondering how? Keep reading to find out!

Why Does My Sleep Get Affected By The Cold?

When it gets colder, your ability to get quality sleep might dwindle. Maybe you struggle to wake up more often, maybe you struggle to get comfortable, or maybe you are sleeping far too much. 

Why does that happen? Let’s take a look at some of the common possible factors. 

• When winter arrives with its chilly weather, the days become shorter and the nights are longer. As a result, there is less sunlight, meaning the circadian rhythms that help us sleep peacefully have to adjust. You might feel a little more tired than usual, and waking up early in the morning can be more difficult. 
• Cooler weather means colder nights—if you’re prone to night sweats, this can be helpful. However, for those who are always cold and can never seem to warm up, your ability to get a restful night’s sleep is extremely hard when the weather fluctuates. 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder, also commonly known as Seasonal Depression, can lead to excessive sleeping [1]. This can also make waking up harder, or getting to sleep at a reasonable hour more difficult. 
• The winter season can bring an onslaught of hypersensitivities—stuffy noses, colds, coughing, sneezing, sniffling, itchy eyes, etc. If you have a sensitive nose, it might be harder to sleep when winter rolls around.  

5 Tips to Get Better Sleep This Winter 

For every problem, there’s a solution. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered this winter season:

Let’s Warm Up

If you’re one of the many who struggle to stay warm at night during the colder seasons, it might be time to start looking for new luxury bedding solutions. It’s the season for bundling up after all! 

Here are some great and wallet-friendly options to get you started:

• Luxury Down Alternative Comforter - Made of soft, breathable bamboo viscose and microfiber, the Luxury Comforter repels common non-living household allergens, wicks away moisture, and is ultra plush for some seriously snuggly winter snoozes. 
• Everyday Fleece Blanket - Another great option for the winter chills—these blankets are made with 100% microfiber polyester, are hypoallergenic, and are designed with a fleece finish for superior softness and cleanliness. Perfect for snuggling up watching holiday movies or sitting by a fire.
• Loungewear - Be comfortable when you hit the hay this winter. A great place to start is your pajamas. Our Bamboo Viscose Loungewear is just the thing! Like our Luxury Bedding, this loungewear set is made with the highest-quality bamboo viscose blend for a breathable, moisture-wicked, and temperature-regulated night’s rest to keep you cozy all night long.

The Winter Blues

If the shorter winter days get you down, the Luxury Weighted Blanket is calling your name. 

Deep-touch pressure stimulation technology is created by thousands of tiny glass beads evenly distributed throughout the fabric to help promote calmness and tranquility, potentially reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.

We also recommend our Cosy House Lavender Linen Spray, inspired by the power of aromatherapy, on your sheets to promote relaxation before you go to sleep. 

Rising With The Sun 

If the shorter days are making it more difficult to wake up each morning, you can try some of the following tricks: 

• Set an earlier bedtime
• Unplug at least 30 minutes before bed (that means no laptop, tv, or cell phone)
• Avoid late-night snacking
• Avoid caffeine later in the day or sugary drinks before bed
• Put your phone on silent mode
• Move your alarm clock across the room so you can’t hit snooze

More Natural Light 

With shorter days, longer nights, and less sunlight, some natural light when it is available will be your new best buddy this winter. Studies show that exposure to light can affect your sleep and circadian rhythm [2]. Try getting more natural light exposure earlier in the day, and you might notice an alleviation in the midday slump we all dread.

Sensitive Noses

If you suffer from a sensitive nose when the winter season comes around, check out these suggestions:

• Change your sheets weekly.
• Prop your head up to get some extra air into your stuffy airways with a Luxury Pillow, which is designed to give extra support, coolness, and comfort to the head and neck (as an added bonus, it is also hypoallergenic!).
• Wear a nasal strip while you sleep.
• Run an air purifier before you fall asleep.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol at night (and in general). 

What is your favorite thing about the winter season? Do you sleep better or worse? Let us know in the comments below. The Cosy community would love to hear from you!

Happy Holidays! 

We've gone ahead & enclosed a 10% off coupon below for you to use if you'd like to take the plunge and try out our sheets for yourself! To shop our collection & get 10% OFF Use the code 'BLOG10' at checkout.

Resources: 

1. Anderson, J. L., Rosen, L. N., Mendelson, W. B., Jacobsen, F. M., Skwerer, R. G., Joseph-Vanderpool, J. R., Duncan, C. C., Wehr, T. A., & Rosenthal, N. E. (1994). Sleep in fall/winter seasonal affective disorder: effects of light and changing seasons. Journal of psychosomatic research, 38(4), 323–337. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(94)90037-x  
2. Marie Dumont, Catherine Beaulieu, Light exposure in the natural environment: Relevance to mood and sleep disorders, Sleep Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 6, 2007, Pages 557-565, ISSN 1389-9457, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2006.11.008.