Alaska is a very large state that covers a lot of ground. It is particularly large from north to south, spanning more than 1300 miles. This large difference creates different light patterns between the south and the north that can make sleeping anywhere in Alaska a challenge. Continue reading to find out more about the transition to Alaskan summers and what you can do to mitigate the associated challenges.
The amount of preparation for a summer and potential effects depend upon a few factors, including:
Alaskan summers would be bad for sleep because there is a lot of light. Like the extreme darkness of the winter, a lot of light can inhibit normal melatonin production, which can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
Unfortunately, a lot of light also has the added effect of being physically disruptive for sleep. You have to physically try and block the light out of your room, because it always feels like daytime.
Furthermore, there is an odd pressure many of us feel to get so much done in the summer because we have been cooped up all winter – Alaskan’s who are not “winter people” may struggle with this more.
The transition from summer to winter can be particularly hard for several reasons: potential for change in habits, activities, and socializing. Also, your circadian rhythm cycle may have adjusted to the environment (darkness) and is now required to respond to different cues.
Some ways to help adjust are:
The reality is that seasonal insomnia or sleep disorders may be very difficult for you to prevent or mitigate. If you have tried everything and are still struggling, feel free to talk to us.
Contrary to what you might initially expect, the long darkness is not always conducive to sleep. In Alaska’s dark winters, many people regularly struggle with:
Why? For one, the extreme darkness can profoundly affect us in many ways:
Secondly, melatonin (the hormone that regulates sleep) responds to light/darkness changes. Lacking light means lacking those cues and changes.
Some people are very good about maintaining consistent social lives, habits, and emotional equilibrium, but many of us aren’t. In all cases, such changes can make it hard to sleep normally.