Brits will spot key bedtime change next week as Hurricane Erin brings 'unsettled' weather
Weather forecasters are warning that the remnants of storm Erin, which is currently affecting the East Coast of the US, may bring heavy winds and rain to the UK next week.
But while booming thunder, howling winds and hammering rain could be on their way, experts say it may actually help you sleep.
Storms are often thought to stop you from getting much needed shut eye, but sleep expert Martin Seeley says this is a common misconception. In fact, stormy weather often improves our sleep and circadian rhythms - and there's science behind why. It comes as Met Office details 'unsettled and windy' weather as storm looms.
Reduced sunlight leads to increased melatonin production, the hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Meanwhile, the sound of rainfall mimics pink and brown noise, which are known to promote deeper, more restful sleep, and a drop in barometric pressure ahead of a storm has been linked to feelings of lethargy, naturally encouraging rest.
"Incoming storms often induce sleepiness and lethargy due to a drop in barometric pressure, which happens when air is drawn away from the ground to feed the storm," Martin, from MattressNextDay, says.
"Research has shown that lower barometric pressure can lead to reduced blood oxygen levels, which can have a negative impact on our energy levels and increases feelings of lethargy.
"Storm Erin is likely to bring darker skies and rainfall, too. These characteristics of a storm naturally invite a sleep-oriented environment," he adds.
And lower levels of natural sunlight caused by cloud cover causes our bodies to produce more melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, leading us to feel sleepier than usual.
Similarly, the sound of rainfall can help improve sleep by creating a calming and consistent background noise that masks sudden sounds like traffic or talking.
"Rain typically falls into pink or brown noise categories, depending on whether it is steady or heavy rain," he adds. "Pink noise balances high and low frequencies, creating a soft sound, while brown noise emphasises deeper frequencies.
'In fact, interest in brown and pink noise for sleep has risen substantially over the last month, with searches for 'brown noise for sleep' increasing 5000% according to Google Search Trends and 'pink noise for sleep' up 100%.
"The low-pitched, soothing frequency of rain can relax the brain, reduce anxiety and promote a slow-wave, deep sleep. All in all, stormy weather can help to regulate our circadian rhythm, rather than disrupt it, contrary to popular belief.'
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