There is a scientific reason behind why humans tend to sleep more during winters and it is related to your hormones. Many people notice they feel more fatigued in winter, even though their overall sleep needs remain consistent throughout the year.

Sleep needs for most adults range from seven to nine hours per night, regardless of the season. However, it is common to feel like you’re sleeping more in winter due to the earlier onset of darkness during standard time.

Seasonal Sleep Changes

Recent studies indicate that humans, like some animals, experience subtle seasonal variations in sleep. Research conducted in Berlin found participants slept about an hour longer in winter than in summer, with 30 additional minutes of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during the colder months. To note, REM sleep is crucial for memory, mood regulation, and immune function.

How Light Affects Sleep

Our sleep-wake cycle or the circadian rhythm is closely tied to sunlight. Bright light signals the body to stay awake, while darkness prompts melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. During winter, shorter days and longer nights lead to earlier melatonin release, which may make you feel sleepier earlier in the evening. The same goes for the morning, late sunrise makes you sleep more.

However, social habits, like late-night outings during summer, can disrupt this rhythm. As per a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep, the body may struggle to adjust to sleeping earlier during winter nights, leading to delayed sleep onset or increased sleepiness.

Environmental Changes

Adapting To Winter Sleep Patterns

- Morning Light Exposure: Natural sunlight or light therapy using a light box can regulate your circadian rhythm and alleviate symptoms of SAD.

- Consistent Sleep Schedule: Maintaining regular sleep and wake times helps stabilize your internal clock.

- Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment: A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom promotes restful sleep.

Additionally, workplaces and schools could consider later start times during winter to align with natural light patterns, enhancing alertness and productivity.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If seasonal sleep changes lead to depression or difficulty functioning, consult a healthcare professional. According to health experts, seeking support for seasonal depression is important for maintaining overall health and well-being.

While winter's shorter days can make you feel sleepier, understanding the role of light and adjusting your habits can help you navigate the season effectively. Embrace these changes, but don’t hesitate to seek help if you find yourself struggling with sleep or mood disruptions.

As you prepare for the long-awaited Fourth of July weekend, a perfect blend celebrations is on the horizon. Whether you're hitting the beach, planning a cross-country road trip, or enjoying fireworks from your front porch, staying healthy and safe should be part of your celebration plan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations have issued updated health guidance to help travelers prepare for a worry-free Independence Day weekend.

Rising Measles Concerns: Check Your Vaccination Status

This summer, one of the top travel health concerns in the U.S. is the resurgence of measles.

As of June 2025, the CDC has reported a sharp rise in cases, with children under five and unvaccinated adults being particularly vulnerable.

ALSO READ: Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

According to the CDC, this is the highest number of measles cases the country has seen in recent years.

The outbreak is especially concerning in parts of the Midwest and Southeast, where clusters of infection have been reported.

If you’re planning to travel to or through these regions, or internationally to areas such as Europe, Africa, or Asia where measles is also spreading, it's critical to confirm that your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date.

The CDC urges all travelers over the age of 12 months to receive at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, and in some cases, an additional dose may be recommended for added protection. Carrying proof of vaccination, especially for international travel, is strongly advised.

Sun Protection For Beach Celebrations

With sunshine expected across much of the country, sun safety is more important than ever. The CDC recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, but not all sunscreens are created equal.

There are two main types: chemical sunscreens, which contain ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone to absorb UV rays, and mineral sunscreens, which rely on physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect rays off the skin.

READ MORE: Why Your Sunscreen Isn’t Enough—Skincare Rules You Should Follow This Summer

According to dermatologists cited by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), mineral sunscreens are often better for sensitive skin or for individuals with skin conditions such as rosacea or acne.

Regardless of which type you choose, reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Other smart sun safety habits include wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

A CO Detector, Your Travel Essential

While sunscreen may top the list of travel must-haves, a portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector is an often overlooked but important safety tool—especially for those staying in cabins, older rentals, or poorly ventilated accommodations.

The CDC warns that carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly and hard to detect since the gas is odorless and colorless.

Wichita-based traveler Kathryn Gillett recommends carrying a compact, battery-powered CO detector—available for around $20—as part of your travel kit. The device, about the size of two stacked smartphones, can provide peace of mind, particularly when venturing into remote or unfamiliar lodging environments.

Eat Healthy

Traveling often throws a wrench in healthy eating habits, but it doesn’t have to. For a budget-friendly and nutritious solution, the CDC suggests packing pulses—a group of foods that includes beans, lentils, and peas.

These fiber- and protein-rich foods are easy to prepare, affordable, and support gut health and blood sugar regulation. They also have a low environmental impact, making them a smart, sustainable choice for eco-conscious travelers.

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Options like canned chickpeas, lentil salads, or homemade bean wraps are simple to prepare and travel well. They also double as high-energy snacks to keep you going between fireworks shows and road trip stops.

READ: Healthier Popcorn Alternatives You Can Try For Your July 4 Movie Nights

Fourth of July is here, and while it is a day of celebration, most commonly with fireworks, the same is also the reason why many end up in the emergency room or in the ER.

As HealthDay reports, on an average, around 250 people a day end up in the ER with fireworks-related injuries in the month before and also after Independence Day. More than 75% of these injuries are around the head, neck, arms, and hands, notes the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

Dr Patrick Byrne, who is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and president of AAFPRS says, and is as reported by HealthDay, "These injuries can include burns, eye trauma and hearing or vision issues, and in some cases, disfigurement."

In a news release, he added that treatments to these burns often require multidisciplinary approach.

Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

Staying safe during firework displays is easier than you think—just follow a few key precautions:

To begin with, it’s safest to enjoy fireworks at professional shows rather than setting off your own. Experts strongly recommend leaving the light show to trained professionals.

If you do use fireworks at home, never allow children near them—even sparklers can reach temperatures close to 2,000°F and cause serious burns.

Avoid touching or re-lighting fireworks that don’t go off (known as “duds”). Instead, wait at least 20 minutes, then soak them in water before safely disposing of them.

Always keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire or malfunction.

If you’re lighting firecrackers yourself, do so one at a time, and step away quickly after ignition.

Fourth of July: A Day Of Celebration And Busiest ER Day

As per the Pew Research Center, more than 45,000 people visit the ER on July 4 and 5, each year. This is the highest number of daily medical emergency.

The New York Post reports and quotes Dr Ryan Marino, MD., an ER doctor and associate professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, "his time of year, we see big increases in traumatic injuries and heat-related illness."

Dr Ryan also adds, "While fireworks accidents and injuries get most of the attention, there are far more falls, broken bones, head injuries and car accidents, just to name a few.”

Dr. Robert Biernbaum, an emergency medicine physician in Fairport, New York told the Fox News Digital, "We routinely see a sharp spike in preventable injuries and medical emergencies."

Most Common Injuries On July 4th

Dr Biernbaum says that most common injuries are fireworks "by far". “We see everything from minor hand and facial burns to severe trauma from fireworks exploding in close proximity,” he said. “Improvised or illegal fireworks tend to cause the worst damage.”

Dr. Betsy Koickel, chief medical officer of Memorial Hermann-GoHealth Urgent Care in Houston, Texas told the Fox News Digital that there are many kinds of firework injuries, including eye injuries, or hearing injuries. "ye injuries are particularly troubling, as they can include corneal burns, scratches or even permanent vision loss due to flying debris or sudden explosions. The loud blasts can also harm hearing, especially in young children, sometimes resulting in ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or even long-term hearing damage,” she says.

Other Common Injuries Include

Alcohol-related incidents: vehicle accidents resulting in head injuries and fractures; and alcohol poisoning

Grill burns and cooking accidents: As per the National Fire Protection Association, US, July is also the peak month for grill fires. It results in flash burns and cuts due to mishandling propane tanks or grills, especially on hands and arms.

Heat Exhaustion And Dehydration: Prolonged outdoor activity also leads to severe dehydration or even heatstroke. It can also lead to kidney damage.

Car and boat accidents: This is also related to alcohol-related incidents. However, speeding boat accidents are also common and could result in ruptured spleen and multiple fractures.

Drowning and Near drowning: As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July has highest number of drowning deaths as compared to all months.

This year's Doctor's Day was a reminder to all that doctor's too are human. The theme specifically focused on healing the healers, emphasizing on the need for people to recognize doctor's struggle and treat them with empathy and sympathy.

No Lines Between Personal And Professional Life

Health and Me had earlier reported on how doctors, even when they are not at work receive work questions all the time. In a previous interview with Health and Me, Dr Guru N Reddy, a senior gastroenterologist, shared, “I didn’t spend time with my family when my kids were growing up. My work always came first and then came my family.” He also shared that how whenever he is gone for a gathering, it turns into an unofficial consultation desk. “Can I quickly show you this report?” “There’s this pain that won’t go, can you suggest something?” These are the questions he is faced with even at family events.

All such scenarios will undoubtedly make a doctor feel overwhelmed. In fact, a survey conducted by Medtalks, a doctor engagement platform, revealed that doctors are burdened by growing mental and emotional burden.

Also Read: Healthier Popcorn Alternatives You Can Try For Your July 4 Movie Nights

The survey, though small scale, conducted among 200 doctors across public and private health care, revealed an important issue. It found that 74% of respondents felt emotionally exhausted on a weekly or even on a daily basis. This survey also highlighted the depth of burnout and chronic stress in the medical profession.

Many doctors also agreed that even after their work hours, they were still entertained with questions related to their patients health through WhatsApp. The data revealed that over 83% of doctors felt that they were under constant stress as their patients continued to contact them through WhatsApp, phone calls, and digital messages, with many asking them for urgent queries. This round-the-check communication has blurred personal and professional boundaries, which has disassociated doctors from their own families.

Also Read: Measles Outbreak Update: Kentucky Confirms Its First Case

Looming Fear Of Threat And Violence On Doctors

The survey also found that threat and violence against doctors were a major source of stress and concern. Indian Medical Association (IMA) President, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, in an earlier interview with Health and Me had said, "Violence against doctors is not rare—it’s routine."

He further added: “We’ve seen mobs arrive with kerosene, petrol, even swords, burning down hospitals. There was a law during COVID promising seven years imprisonment and non-bailable warrants for attacks on doctors, but it hasn’t been enforced. Most states still have weak three-year, bailable punishments.”

He also pointed towards the RG Kar Medical College’s case where a female postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered and her body was found in a seminar room on campus. Doctors across the nation went on a strike, demanding justice. “But we cannot go to the roads and do strikes every time. Despite it all, we uphold our Hippocratic oath.”

The survey too echoed the same feelings, where many respondents admitted that this fear has directly influenced their approach to diagnosis, communication, and decision-making. Doctors are now acting more defensively.

The strain on doctors is intensified by mounting administrative duties, fear of legal action, limited institutional support, and rising expectations to deliver flawless outcomes.

Over one-third of doctors reported working more than 60 hours a week, while only 17 percent are able to take a full, uninterrupted day off on a regular basis. Most respondents said they receive minimal support in coping with these demands. Strikingly, just 14 percent felt the current healthcare system allows them to prioritise their own wellbeing, whereas 52 percent said it does not.