Many people sleep worse in winter. Here's what experts want you to know.

"It's normal to feel sluggish during the winter. Cold temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight can mean less time outdoors and more time staring at our screens. For some people, these cold-weather habits may contribute to a sleep disruption, known as winter insomnia. This isn't a clinical condition, but it might begin or worsen during the winter months."

""Although disturbances can vary, people commonly experience an increase in middle-of-the-night awakenings, waking up earlier than intended, difficulty falling asleep, or restless sleep," Dr. Nicole Moshfegh, PsyD, clinical psychologist and director of We Rise Psychology, Inc., told Business Insider. She explained that winter insomnia can be caused by a change in your mood or energy level, which affects your ability to unwind before bed or calm your mind when you wake up during the night."

Winter insomnia involves trouble falling asleep, waking during the night, waking earlier than intended, lighter or restless sleep, and shifts in sleep timing. Reduced daylight, colder temperatures, decreased outdoor time, increased screen exposure, routine changes, lowered mood or energy, and holiday-related stress commonly contribute to symptoms. Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal health, and winter patterns often reduce both sleep quality and duration. Winter insomnia is a seasonal pattern rather than a formal clinical diagnosis. Bright light exposure and light-therapy interventions can improve timing and reduce symptoms.

Read at Business Insider