Rhiwbina Living Autumn 2023

A 2023 study has shown that
humans experience more REM
sleep during the winter. REM (Rapid
Eye Movement) sleep is the part of
sleep where most of our dreams
happen and is known to be directly
linked to the circadian clock, which
is affected by changing light. The
study showed that during winter,
humans get on average, 30 more
minutes of REM sleep each night
than they do during the summer.
This is most likely because of the
reduced number of daylight hours
we receive in winter. This in turn
affects our circadian rhythm and
makes our bodies produce more of
the ‘sleep hormone’, melatonin.
The reduction in Vitamin D can
also affect our immune system,
leading to us getting illnesses and
ailments.
If humans are to ever truly
hibernate, it's not just the effect on
the body's metabolism that needs
to be taken into account. The brain,
which is hugely sensitive to lack
of oxygen, would also need to be
protected during any hibernation
because of its lack of nutrients and
blood.
Science has shown us that
hibernation reduces and
reorganises the synaptic
connections that form the basis
of our memories. It's possible that
the brain could become damaged
if it's not properly restored via the
mechanisms of sleep.
At present, scientists don't fully
understand how the process of
torpor or hibernation begins in
animals; the animal kingdom seems
to know how to do this safely
and naturally. Humans, on the
other hand, would need artificial
assistance to begin a hibernation
process, something which has
never been tried before.
The craving for warmth and comfort is an instinctive thing
How To 'Hibernate'
Settle down in your
'sett'
As autumn envelops us, it's
important to get our 'sett' ready to
see us through the winter. Get out
the blankets, the cushions, the big
jumpers. Stock up on the logs if
you have a burner, and put up the
heavy curtains if you need to.
Sleep
If we can't hibernate properly, we
should at least listen to what our
bodies are telling us as autumn
creeps upon us.
If you feel tired, that's probably
because you are tired, and staying
up late for the sake of it isn't going
to benefit anyone. Getting an early
night allows your body to get the
rest it needs (and is telling you it
needs) and allows you to conserve
What Bryn Glas may have looked like
home
energy that you'll need to keep
warm.
Cwtch up
Crawling under layers of blankets
is often a comforting experience
but it could also mean that you're
colder than you think you are. Your
fingers and toes, nose, and ears
can be clues as to whether you're
feeling the cold more than you
should be so if these are cold, get
that blanket and snuggle up well.
Eat properly
This time of year is perfect for
warm, hearty meals and that
makes it the ideal opportunity to
get some proper food down you.
Root vegetables are available
in abundance and most can
go into a casseroles or stews.
Nourishing your body properly will
provide you with the nutrients and
fulfilment that your body craves at
this time of year.
Get outside
Daylight hours are limited during
this time of year so making the
most of it means you can get that
all-important Vitamin D while you
can.
If you're struggling for time to get
outside, schedule it and make it
a priority. Build outdoor time into
your routine.
Find solace
Winter is often the time of parties
and social gatherings but if you
feel that you need to get away
from people, that's perfectly fine.
Never feel obliged to be the one
having to fill your social diary just
because you're invited.
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