09/24/2025
Wellness Wednesday: Light After Dark
Your body is wired to follow the sun. When the sun sets, your brain expects darkness so it can release melatonin and prepare for deep, restorative sleep.
The problem is that bright lights and screens after sunset trick your brain into thinking it is still daytime.
That keeps melatonin low and makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
This is why I don’t usually recommend melatonin supplements. Your body knows how to make it naturally, but only if it gets the right signals from light and dark at the right times.
You do not need to be perfect, but small changes make a big difference.
Dim the lights after sunset, switch to warmer bulbs in the evening, and give yourself at least 30 minutes of screen-free time before bed.
Even better, step outside along the Fox River or in your backyard and let your eyes catch the fading natural light.
Your reminder this Wellness Wednesday: the right light at the right time sets the rhythm for better sleep, better energy, and better health.
Tonight, try dialing things down after dark and notice how your sleep improves.
