RBWH Clinical Measurement Scientist Nik

It’s always nice sleeping in on a Sunday morning, especially in winter! But what is it about colder months that makes us feel more tired than usual? RBWH Clinical Measurement Scientist Nik is here with some answers.

“The more light we see the more stimulated our brains are. The sun rises later in the winter which is why it can be so hard to get out of bed—our mind isn’t fully awake yet,” he said.

“The same goes for using your phone before bed. The light through your device stimulates parts of the brain that will keep you from falling into a healthy sleep.

“If you want to improve your energy levels during the winter, put into place a good sleep hygiene routine. Healthy meals, exercise and regular bedtimes all help your body get the important sleep you need to tackle the next day.

“You can also try waking up before the sun to get as much light exposure as possible which will help to wake up your mind and stimulate the brain!

“If you’re feeling constantly lethargic and are keeping up good sleep hygiene, it’s best to arrange a chat about your concerns with your GP.”

For our amazing shift workers, visit the Sleep Foundation website for tips on how to get the best sleep.