Do our sleep schedules change in the summer?

With the summer months arriving, some situations may cause changes to your sleep schedule. Dr. Philip Alapat, a sleep expert and associate professor of medicine in the pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine section at Baylor College of Medicine, shares tips on sleeping better during this time. 

“In the summer, there is increased daylight exposure, with the sun rising earlier and setting later. We also tend to have more free time with vacations, and our work schedules are perhaps not as rigorous as in other periods throughout the year," said Alapat. “All of this can expose people to more disruptions in their sleep schedules.”

He adds that for those who have a predisposition toward insomnia, this disruption to their sleep schedule can either bring out significant insomnia complaints or worsen already existing insomnia.

“Also, during the summertime, people tend to be loose with their dietary habits and maybe even their alcohol use. All of this can worsen insomnia,” Alapat said. 

Alapat’s tips for sleeping better during the summer are similar to those for any other time of the year. It is generally ideal for all of us to sleep in nighttime periods in environments that are cool, dark and quiet. He recommends avoiding excessive alcohol and keeping to your normal routine as best as possible. It’s also important to limit screen time before bed.

“When you’re trying to get to sleep, you want your brain to be less active. I recommend cutting off the exposure to screens [television, phones or computers] at least 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime,” Alapat said.

If you’re having prolonged difficulties with your sleep, see a physician or healthcare provider to determine if you have an underlying sleep disorder.