Winter can make it hard to manage our sleep, and sometimes it feels like we could all use a good hibernation like some animals do. While we can’t sleep through the entire season, there are key reasons why managing our sleep is crucial during these colder months.

First, sleep stabilizes our moods. Studies show that quality sleep helps regulate anxiety and depression. To ensure you get the best rest, avoid screen time during the last hour of your day and keep your lighting lower during the evening. This simple change can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep.

Second, sleep is essential for memory processing. Just like in the Disney movie Inside Out, our brains need sleep to sort through and store short- and long-term memories, helping us retain information and process daily experiences.

Third, sleep plays a critical role in regulating emotions. Ever notice how a short nap can transform someone’s mood? When we don’t get enough sleep, our emotional systems can burn out. Resting our minds helps us stay emotionally balanced.

Lastly, sleep aids in healing. During rest, our stress-related systems slow down, allowing the body and brain to repair and restore any damage caused throughout the day.

While we can't hibernate, getting around 7 hours of sleep can give us the benefits of improved mood, better memory, emotional balance, and physical restoration. If you’re struggling to sleep well, it may be time to reach out for support—sometimes there are deeper issues affecting our rest.