We all feel it, at least a little
Eco-Psychologist and Wildsmith Master Practitioner Amy Steadman explains ‘every year, around the time the clocks go back, many of us feel it; sluggish mornings, a craving for comfort food and early nights. We call it Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and treat it like a problem to fix. And its true for some people, SAD hits hard with depression, low mood, and a feeling of hopelessness. That deserves proper care and treatment. But even if you’ve never been diagnosed, you’ve probably felt a smaller version of it - less energy, more comfort food, a desire to hibernate. ‘
But what if this isn’t a malfunction? What if it’s a sign that we’re in tune with the seasons—and that our expectations, not our biology, are what’s out of step?’
The real problem: we expect ourselves to be “on” all the time
Humans evolved in rhythm with daylight. For most of history, winter meant slowing down, sleeping more, conserving energy. Now we live in a world that expects us to keep the same pace year-round, regardless of the light outside. So when our energy naturally dips, it clashes with a culture that prizes productivity over balance. We feel like something’s wrong with us, when really, it’s our environment - fluorescent lights, late-night screens, constant stimulation - that’s fighting our natural instincts.
In that sense, SAD might actually be our system saying: You weren’t meant to run on full battery all year.
Finding Balance
None of this means SAD is easy. Feeling low, flat or isolated can be really tough, especially when life doesn’t give you space to step back. But even in that challenge, there’s something worth noticing: the pull to rest is a healthy instinct. If we listen to our bodies we recognise that we’re not separate from nature, we’re part of it. Our moods move with the weather, our energy follows the sun. And instead of seeing that as a problem to solve, we could see it as a cue to adapt.
It’s the same instinct that makes animals hibernate and trees shed their leaves. It’s a reminder that energy is meant to cycle, not stay constant.
To explore how we can sleep better this winter we’ve turned to And So To Bed - curators of the world’s finest luxury beds and mattresses - and Sleep Doctor De Lindsay Browning.
Dr. Lindsay explains, “Your circadian rhythm tells your body when it’s time to feel awake and when it’s time to sleep. It orchestrates hormone production, digestion, even immune function”.
Light exposure is key. In winter, with fewer daylight hours, our rhythms can become misaligned. That’s why morning sunlight, even on cloudy days, is so important. It anchors melatonin secretion earlier in the evening, helping us fall asleep more easily. And it boosts cortisol levels in the morning, giving us the energy we need to start the day
And it’s not just about when we sleep—it’s about how we sleep. The experts at And So To Bed’s recommendations for sustaining good sleep habits are simple but powerful:
•Keep a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. Irregular sleep disrupts melatonin and cortisol patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and wake up refreshed.
•Remove electronics and avoid working in bed, obvious but often over-looked, let your brain associate your bed with sleep, not stress.
•Create a calming environment: the colour of the bedroom may help you feel more relaxed and ready for sleep. Neutral colours like blues, earth tones and beige are often perceived as more calming
•Invest in your mattress: If you are frequently waking or experience unexplained pains, your mattress may need replacing. If your mattress is not supportive, you will find it harder to fall and stay asleep. You should choose your mattress based on your sleep style and weight.
•Regulate temperature—ideally between 16–19°C—to support natural thermoregulation.
•Get outside during the day, even briefly, to reinforce your circadian rhythm. Morning light exposure helps shift melatonin secretion earlier, improving sleep onset.
Taking a Moment to Pause
Our Stillness Collection was created to support our mind and body’s transition to rest; each formula infused with our signature Stillness essential oil blend of Rose Geranium, Lavender and Roman Chamomile.
So, if you’re looking to hibernate or simply find a moment of peace we recommend the a winddown that begins with lighting a Wildsmith candle. The gentle flicker and soothing scent create a meditative atmosphere, transforming the atmosphere around you without overwhelming to help you feel centred and grounded
Follow this with a warm shower using the Stillness Nourishing Body Cleanser, formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and calm skin that may be stressed by seasonal changes. After cleansing, apply the Stillness Nourishing Body Butter, our probiotic-rich blend designed to soften and support the skin’s microbiome and moisture barrier.
Finally just before going to bed spritz Stillness Pillow Mist across bedding your bedding or nightwear. Infused with ten essential oils selected to quieten the mind, it signals to the body that it’s time to rest.
Because maybe winter isn’t here to test our resilience. Maybe it’s here to remind us to rest.
The Sleep Well Collection
This winter, we want to help you embrace the season’s slower rhythm. That’s why we’ve partnered with ASTB and Reed Family Linen to offer the ultimate restorative experience.
Our giveaway includes indulgent linens from Reed Family Linen, luxurious bedding from ASTB, and rejuvenating treatments from Wildsmith.
To enter visit: https://www.andsotobed.co.uk/thesleepwellcollectiongiveaway
Everything you need to awaken refreshed and restored.
• Reed Family Linen: 1x Bed Linen Set (2x pillowcases, 1x fitted sheet, 1x duvet cover - up to King size)
• Wildsmith Skin: Stillness Collection - includes Stillness Nourishing Body Cleanser, Pillow Mist, Body Butter, Bath Salts, Super Hydrating Overnight Mask and Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Yulestarn Candle
• And So To Bed: 2x Beta Standard Size Pillows and 1x Arosa Duvet (up to King size)
Total prize value: Worth over £1500
Giveaway closes 4pm Friday 21st November.
