Hello Fuckoff,
Every fall, my alarm starts going off in the dark, and my body files a complaint. (I'm a wolf, so mornings were never my thing.)
Shorter days and shifting light confuse your internal master clock. Less sunlight, less time outside, and (yep) less sleep drive.
If you've been blaming yourself for feeling off lately, don't. Feeling better starts with knowing how your clock is built, so let's find yours.
Early bird vs. night owl is only half the story
Most people are bears, up with the sun and sharpest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lions, wolves, and dolphins run on different timetables, and your genes help decide which one you are. Not sure? Take the Chronotype Quiz.
Worth a look before lights out
Your next snoring fix could be a mattress
Your mattress and sleep position can help quiet things down. Our testers ranked four picks, including one airbed with 50 firmness settings.
Watch: How to sleep better by knowing your chronotype
In under five minutes, Dr. Breus explains why timing matters and how to plan your day around your energy peaks.
Dr. Breus in the Media
Podcasts
LA Times Live + Well on Apple
In the press
Article on EatingWell
Next on Better in Bed:
How to Fix Your Child's Sleep at Every Age
with Dr. Rafael Pelayo
Got a question for a future episode? Send a quick video to podcast@sleepdoctor.com — you might hear it answered on air.
Small upgrades for darker mornings
CPAP Supply Bundles
Filters, tubing, and everything else your machine needs in one easy order. Bundle to save, then take an extra 15% off when you use Subscribe & Save.
Loftie Clock
Wake up refreshed with a two-phase alarm that mimics your body's natural waking process, plus refreshingly non-alarming sounds. HSA/FSA eligible.
When fall fatigue doesn't lift
Seasonal shifts explain a lot, but not everything. If you're waking up exhausted even after a full night, leaning on caffeine to function, or hitting a wall by afternoon, a Home Sleep Study can help you find out why, from your own bed.
You'll review your results one-on-one with a licensed sleep-care provider. Check your insurance, use HSA/FSA, or pay directly, whatever works for you.
Dr. Michael Breus, PhD, DABSM, FAASM
Double board-certified Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Sleep Specialist. Author of the groundbreaking books, The Power of When, and Sleep Drink Breathe, and an expert resource for most major publications (Oprah, The Doctors, NY Times, and more).
