Seasonal living is a constant practice of adjusting our daily routines and habits in accordance with the changing seasons and natural rhythms of the earth. This approach to living recognises that our bodies and minds are interconnected with the natural world, and that we can better optimise our health and wellbeing by aligning ourselves with the patterns of nature.

One of the key areas where seasonal living can have a profound impact on our overall health and wellbeing is our circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm is the internal 24-hour clock that governs our sleep-wake cycle, a process that is controled by the release of hormones that tell our body either ‘it’s time to wake up’ or ‘it’s time to sleep’, and it is influenced by a variety of factors including light exposure, meal timing, and physical activity to name a few.

By paying closer attention to these factors, noticing what improves or diminishes our sleep quality and quantity, and adapting our habits to the changing seasons, we can improve our circadian rhythm and experience better sleep, greater energy, and improved overall health.

The Benefits of Seasonal Living for Sleep

The way the seasons affect and influence our sleep happens most noticeable in the shifts between the shortest and the longest seasons; as we move from Winter to Spring and Summer to Autumn. As these are the seasons where we experience the biggest changes in both light and energy.

I have spoken before about the energy of the seasons; Spring and Summer have expansive energy, inviting us to be more exuberant, playful, and outward facing with our energy and time, while in Autumn and Winter, the energy contracts inviting us to turn inwards, conserve energy, and to nurture ourselves more deeply.

Seasonal living can have a range of benefits for sleep, including:

Improved circadian rhythm: As mentioned, by aligning our habits with the natural patterns of light and dark, we can help regulate our circadian rhythm and improve the quality and consistency of our sleep.
Enhanced relaxation: Different seasons can offer different opportunities for relaxation, such as cosying up with a warm blanket in the winter or enjoying the cool breeze of summer evenings. These small changes in our surroundings and daily routines can help us feel more relaxed and at ease, which can promote better sleep.
Better nutrition: Seasonal eating can help us consume a wider variety of fresh, nutrient-dense foods that can support better sleep and overall health. For example, summer fruits like cherries and watermelon contain natural compounds that can help regulate our sleep-wake cycle.
Greater physical activity: Seasonal changes can inspire us to engage in different types of physical activity, from hiking and gardening in the spring and summer to skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Regular exercise can improve our sleep quality and help us feel more alert and energized during the day.

Tips for Better Sleep in Each Season

Here are some simple holistic practices and tips for helping you to improve your sleep in each season:

Spring:

Get outside in the morning to soak up natural sunlight, which can help regulate your circadian rhythm.
Eat plenty of fresh, seasonal produce like asparagus and artichokes, which can support healthy sleep.
Engage in light physical activity like walking or gardening to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Summer:

Make sure your bedroom is cool and comfortable for sleep.
Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol in the evening, which can interfere with sleep.

Autumn:

Practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding electronics in the bedroom and creating a calming bedtime routine.
Embrace the cosy, relaxing energy of the season by using warm blankets, drinking tea, and diffusing calming essential oils.
Consider taking natural sleep aids like melatonin or valerian root to support healthy sleep.

Winter:

Get plenty of natural light exposure during the day to support your circadian rhythm.
Stay active with indoor exercise like yoga or strength training.
Take advantage of the longer nights to get plenty of rest and rejuvenation.

Seasonal living can offer a powerful framework for optimising our health and wellbeing, and improving our sleep is just one of the many benefits. By paying attention to the changing rhythms of nature and adapting our habits accordingly, we can create a more balanced and harmonious relationship with the world around us, and enjoy greater vitality, energy, and peace of mind as a result.

If you would like to learn more about creating better habits for yourself and your health and wellbeing me FREE online self-paced course Rooted + Intentionally you does just that.