“The annual Autumn Equinox helps us honor the beauty of the balance between day and night, between activities and restful times, between productivity and contemplation, and it encourages us give thanks for our life’s bountiful harvest,”
Elaine Voci PhD
WHEN IS THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX?
The fall equinox arrives around September 22nd The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide!
Autumn Equinox, the air is changing, the mornings have that almost magical feel about them, nights are cool, and leaves are starting to fall from the trees in a kaleidoscope of colour. But, amid of all this beauty you might feel exhausted, and yes, it does have to do with the equinox.
How does the Autumn Equinox affect your sleep?
I have always been aware that full and new moons can have an impact on the sleep cycle, however the Autumn Equinox has a unique quality that makes it just as likely to affect your slumber. And if you have sleeping problems don’t read and go into a mild panic, we are all going to feel a bit out of kilter for a few days I am sure!
“The Fall Equinox is one of two moments in the year when day and night are in perfect balance, the other date when day and night are in perfect balance is the Spring, or Vernal, Equinox, and changes in light patterns from the sun can seriously disrupt our precious sleep time during both seasons.
In the animal world, light has a profound effect on everything — from feeding and hunting to migration and reproduction. As humans, we are no exception. When the amount of daylight changes from season to season, our biological rhythms can get ‘out of whack,’ resulting in disrupted sleep patterns.
While you’re probably familiar with the term insomnia, which is when you have trouble sleeping at night, you may not have heard of hypersomnia, which means excessive daytime sleepiness,
This can happen when your internal body clock is disrupted during the change of seasons, like the forthcoming Autumn Equinox.
On this day, there is no tilt to the earth’s axis, which means it stands straight up and down, resulting in an equal amount of light and dark for everyone on the planet.
As the days become shorter and the nights longer, our biological clock (circadian rhythm) could get disrupted. For most this change is hardly noticeable as the body learns to adjust and reset its internal clock.
However, for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this can lead to changes in serotonin and melatonin levels, which affect sleep patterns and mood. If you would like to read about helping to combat SAD and other issues, with changing to good foods for your mood – please follow the link….
You will find Fatigue fighting Nutrient and Food hints and tips in these 2 articles…
Make sure to make your health and wellness a priority as you head into Autumn.
Until your body adjusts, it might be best to just go with it. As the weather has changed over the weekend maybe it’s an ideal time to start planning for the new season, clean out your closet, not that I am suggesting getting those jumpers out just yet but maybe the raincoat will be needed, take a walk outside, or relax with a good book during the evening.
To Sleep tight at night, keep busy during the day maybe carry on batch cooking for the next season and I do know a lot of friends that start planning their Christmas cakes and Pudding making, embrace the change but know that you may start to feel different – just remember stocking up on warm and sweet foods to combat “the tiredness” is not the way forward!
Indulge in warming, spicy and comforting foods that fill up and keep our bodies working through the day, rather than reaching for those sugary snacks. At the end of the day your body will thank you! (Hints and Tips under the Nutrition Section – Nutritional Bites)
If you want any help with your Insomnia and how to start a lovely routine there are some tips on my website (Insomnia section) and I am happy to talk you through some ideas that do work!
But all that aside we must ‘Enjoy and Embrace’ the new season it’s been a funny year so far and all that has really remained in balance is Mother Nature so maybe we should work with her……..
Valerie Mesa
Mother Nature is constantly communicating with you. When you honor the changing of the seasons and the power stemming from each cycle, you’re naturally inclined to making better decisions. Similarly, with the summer coming to a close, will present you with the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the second harvest. The wheel of life is a journey, and autumn is a time to express your gratitude.
