Winter Insomnia: Sleep Difficulties During the Fall and Winter Months

The term winter insomnia is not a formal clinical diagnosis, but it is a useful way to describe sleep difficulties that emerge or worsen during the fall and winter months. I first encountered the concept through research examining seasonal sleep changes, including studies on hibernation patterns and reduced daylight exposure.

Many individuals notice changes in sleep quality during winter, including difficulty falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, early morning waking, or restless, non-restorative sleep. These symptoms often overlap with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can significantly affect mood, energy, and daily functioning.