*Old pic from November 2019 sitting outside on my Brooklyn fire escape. Taking in morning sunlight while I sent out the previous "All Season Strong" seasonal fitness newsletter!
Multiple studies suggest that sticking with Standard Time year-round (enjoying early morning sun and shorter evenings) best aligns with our circadian rhythms and provides distinct benefits for sleep, mood, and overall health — morning light resets our internal clock, whereas too much evening light (the hallmark of Daylight Saving Time) can throw it out of sync (AP News).
Science calls this a circadian alignment benefit. I call it seasonal common sense.
💊 A quick melatonin reality check
A new study presented this week at the American Heart Association conference has been making the rounds on social media and in the news: long-term use of melatonin supplements was linked to a higher likelihood of developing heart failure (not because melatonin itself causes heart problems), but because needing it regularly might signal that something deeper is off in the body.
As lead author Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi explains, chronic insomnia can raise blood pressure, stress hormones, and inflammation, which are all risk factors for heart strain.Experts like Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge at Columbia add that melatonin shouldn’t be taken chronically without medical guidance. Since supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, doses and purity can vary widely.
Translation: trouble sleeping isn’t just a sleep issue, it can be a heart issue. (Especially if there is underlying apnea or apnea co-morbid with insomnia involved).
(Read the NBC News article →)
🌒 This week’s intention: Let the dark lead
If you’re feeling called to crawl into bed earlier, let it happen.
Don’t label it lazy or unproductive. It’s actually your body syncing with the season.
🗓 Save the date!!!
On Wednesday, November 19, I’ll be speaking on a brunch panel in midtown Manhattan about Mindful Motherhood with a few doctor friends and wellness influencers.
Yes, I’m the sleep person on deck. 😴
I’ll share the ticket link next week so mark your calendar, it’ll be a good one.
Until then, sleep
well,
Sarah
🔗 Sources (for my fellow sleep nerds):
AASM Position Statement – Standard Time
Benefits
AP: Health Experts Prefer Morning Light
Stanford Medicine: Jamie Zeitzer on Circadian Light
JAMA Psychiatry: Morning Light and Depression
NBC News: Melatonin Use May Reveal Heart Health Risks
