Why Does 5 PM Feel Like Bedtime Now? Well, here we are again. That wonderful time of year when it's practically dark outside before I've even figured out what we're having for dinner. I swear, just a few months ago I could be outside at 8:30 at night, getting things done, enjoying the weather, and still feeling like I had plenty of time left in the day. Now I look out the window at 5:15 and immediately start questioning why I'm not already in my pajamas. And don't even get me started on changing the clocks. Every year we're told we get an extra hour of sleep when daylight saving time ends. Sounds wonderful, right? Except I'd like to know where that extra hour actually goes, because I certainly haven't found it. All I know is that it's dark before dinner, I'm tired earlier, and somehow the kids still have the same amount of energy they've had since breakfast. I think they're running on a completely different time zone. But apparently, there's a real reason behind why we feel so tired this time of year. And no, it's not just because we're getting older, although I'm sure that isn't helping matters. Our bodies have something called a circadian rhythm, which is basically an internal clock that helps determine when we're awake and when we're ready to sleep. Sunlight plays a big part in keeping that clock running properly. As darkness sets in, our bodies begin producing melatonin, the hormone that helps prepare us for sleep. So when the sun starts disap- pearing earlier, some of us may find ourselves feeling ready to wind down sooner than usual. Which makes sense, be- cause the minute it gets dark, my motivation seems to pack up its belongings and leave for the evening. Here's something interesting, though. Changing the clocks doesn't actually make our days shorter. The days are already getting shorter because of Earth's tilt. Turning the clocks back simply changes when we experience that daylight ac- cording to the clock. In other words, we're not losing an hour of sunshine because we changed the time. We're just moving that hour to the morning, when most of us would probably rather still be sleeping. And have you noticed how much harder it is to convince yourself to do anything once it gets dark? During the summer, I can run to the store after dinner with- out thinking twice about it. But in November? If I've already changed into comfortable clothes, whatever we need had better be pretty important. Of course, the shorter days can affect more than just our willingness to leave the couch. Less exposure to natural daylight can influence our sleep patterns and moods. Getting outside during daylight hours, even for a short walk, can help keep our internal clocks on track. Still, maybe there's something nice about slowing down a little this time of year. The house feels warmer, the evenings are quieter, and there's something comforting about settling in for the night without feeling like you should be outside doing something productive. So if you happen to call me at 7 p.m. and I sound like you woke me up, don't be surprised. It's November. Apparently, that's practically midnight now.
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