During the winter months, somnologists see the highest volume of consultations, a trend noticeable within the SberHealth health service where demand peaks in January. In the prior year, January recorded the most inquiries on socialbites.ca, signaling a seasonal spike in sleep-related concerns that aligns with colder, darker days and disrupted routines.
This season, clinics reported a noteworthy rise in appointments with sleep specialists—roughly 10% more than in autumn and about 27% more than in summer—indicating a clear seasonal pattern in sleep health seeking behavior, as reported by the company.
Winter sleep issues stem from several interacting factors. The shorter daylight hours reduce natural light exposure, while wake times remain similar to other seasons. The result is an altered circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep and wakefulness. Artificial lighting becomes more prevalent in the winter, further disturbing this rhythm. When light is scarce, melatonin production may surge, promoting sleepiness; conversely, excessive or disruptive artificial lighting can suppress melatonin and contribute to insomnia. This explanation comes from Alena Khripkova, a service therapist, who notes the complex balance between light exposure and circadian regulation during the darker months.
In addition to light, physical activity tends to drop in winter and outdoor time contracts as well. Both factors—reduced movement and less time spent outdoors—are closely linked to sleep quality. When the body’s physiological needs for activity aren’t met, it can be harder to achieve deep, restorative sleep, leading to a cycle of fatigue and poorer sleep hygiene.
Dietary patterns also shift with the season. Winter often brings a tendency toward heavier meals, whereas summer favors lighter options like fruits and vegetables. Nutrition interacts with sleep in meaningful ways: heavy foods close to bedtime can complicate digestion and disrupt sleep, while certain nutrients support sleep regulation. Moreover, sleep is influenced by the indoor environment during heating season, where low humidity and limited fresh air from frequently closed windows can negatively affect comfort and rest, potentially contributing to restless nights. The therapy professional stresses that these seasonal changes in eating, activity, and environment collectively shape sleep experiences in winter.
Demographically, last year saw sleep issues reported with similar frequency across genders, with women accounting for about 53% of inquiries and men for roughly 47%. The calls skewed younger, with the 23–34 age group representing nearly a quarter of all contacts (approximately 22%). In contrast, those aged 45–60 and 35–44 each represented slightly smaller shares, at about 19% and 18% respectively, while the healthiest sleep patterns appeared among the youngest group, aged 18–24, who accounted for about 12% of cases. These patterns illustrate how age and gender interplay with seasonal sleep challenges, guiding clinicians in tailoring interventions and outreach to those most affected during wintertime.