Fact 12: Environmental Influences
Urban environments, with their constant hustle and artificial lighting, often disrupt our natural circadian rhythms. The constant hum of traffic, the lure of 24/7 entertainment, and exposure to screen lights during nighttime can all interfere with natural sleep-wake cycles, making city dwellers more prone to insomnia.
Regions experiencing extreme weather conditions or significant fluctuations can see altered sleep patterns. Cold, for instance, might lead to prolonged sleep, while extreme heat can disrupt sleep continuity. Even seasonal changes, like those in areas with pronounced seasonal affective disorders, can impact sleep regularity.
Certain professions come with sleep challenges. Shift workers, for instance, often grapple with circadian disruptions, leading to what’s known as “shift work sleep disorder.” Similarly, frequent travelers, especially those crossing multiple time zones, often face “jet lag,” another form of sleep disruption.(12)
