We’ll be honest, as much as we love the seasons shifting, shorter days struck us.
Both of us deal with seasonal affective disorder, so when the sun disappears earlier and the weather turns cold and dreary, our moods and sleep take a hit.
It’s not just about feeling sluggish during the day, but also about lying awake at night when our bodies can’t seem to find their rhythm.
Over the years, we’ve learned a few tricks to make this transition easier, and we’ve found that better sleep is one of the best ways to cope with the season.
The Secret to Better Sleep During Shorter Days
Sleep is about rhythm, light, and comfort.
When daylight decreases, the body produces melatonin earlier, which can confuse your sleep cycle. That’s why shorter days leave some people wide awake at 2 a.m. or yawning at 6 p.m. Hi, it’s us.
Creating routines and rituals, setting the right environment, and choosing high-quality sleep tools make all the difference.
Set a Consistent Bedtime Routine
Our bodies thrive on consistency.
Shorter days tempt us to drift off earlier or scroll late into the night.
Try winding down with the same rhythm every evening: dim the lights, silence notifications, sip a calming tea, or read a few pages of a book. That signal tells your body it’s time to rest, no matter what’s happening outside.
Make the Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary
We are pros at creating a sleep sanctuary. We look forward to our bedroom at night the way a kid looks forward to a candy store.
Cooler nights are the perfect excuse to turn your room into a cozy retreat. Keep the temperature between 60–68 degrees. Add blackout curtains if early sunsets disrupt your schedule, and limit bright lights in the evening.
This is also where your sleep setup matters. A few years ago, we swapped to Cozy Earth sheets because the bamboo fabric regulates temperature year-round.
When nights start to chill, but you wake up warm, breathable bedding keeps things comfortable without the need for constant tossing off the covers.
Manage Light Exposure During the Day
One of the primary reasons sleep becomes disrupted in the fall is a lack of daylight. Try to get outside in the morning, even for just 15 minutes.
Sunlight exposure helps regulate your circadian rhythm, keeping you more alert during the day and naturally sleepy at night.
There are many benefits to being outside, but sleep is one of the most important.
Don’t Forget Movement
Shorter days can mean fewer steps and more time spent on the couch, which often results in restless sleep.
Adding gentle movement, such as a walk after dinner, yoga, or stretching, signals your body that it has had enough activity to rest deeply later.
Cozy Earth Favorites for Sleep Season
If you’re ready to give your sleep setup an upgrade this fall, here are a few pieces that make it easy:
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheets – breathable, cooling, and perfect for temperature swings.
- Cozy Earth Pajamas – soft and lightweight, ideal for layering when nights vary.
- Cozy Earth Luxe Bath Robe – makes winding down feel like a ritual.
- Cozy Earth Plush Bath Towels – post-evening shower comfort that sets the tone for bedtime.
Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Better sleep during shorter days isn’t about changing your life; it’s about embracing it.
It’s about small choices that add up to a smoother rhythm and a more rested you.
With a bit of light, movement, and the proper sleep setup, you can actually use fall and winter to get some of the best sleep of the year. We have worked toward this goal for a while, so now, the colder season only makes us cozier.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Going to bed too early can throw off your circadian rhythm. It’s better to stick to a consistent sleep schedule year-round, even if it feels tempting to crawl into bed when it gets dark outside.
Warm, caffeine-free teas (such as chamomile or rooibos), foods rich in magnesium (like bananas or pumpkin seeds), and light evening snacks can all support better rest. Heavy meals or alcohol close to bedtime usually make sleep worse.
Yes. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) often causes disrupted sleep patterns, either making it harder to fall asleep or causing people to feel overly tired during the day. Managing light exposure and creating a consistent bedtime routine can help.
