Why am I so sleepy in the mornings? I am working in Iceland where it is dark to 11am. Could this be the cause?

Question

I normally live in the UK where it gets light at 8am in winter. At the moment I go to work in the dark and it gets light only at 11am. When at work I am OK for the first hour but then feel very sleepy despite the fact that I get enough sleep.
I find I have to try to sleep on a couch at work, which does not look very professional.

They don´t sell red bull in Reykjavik. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

Yes, the dark could be the reason. I know other people in Iceland who have the same problem. It is especially hard for immigrants/temporary workers to get used to all this dark, but some Icelanders experience this problem too.

Make sure to get enough vitamin D, that might help (we get most of our vitamin D from sunlight, but when the sun rarely shines we need to react by getting more of it from food instead). As for ways to get over the sleepiness, having an apple apparently works as well as a cup of coffee. Then there are some local energy drinks (Egils Orka or Magic).

Or you could just step outside for that lovely -5°C and fresh air. That wakes me up every time. ;)

Answer 2

You sound like you may have a version of SA(D)D - Seasonal Affective (Depression) Disorder. Basically the lack of light is messing with your circadian rhythms and confusing your brain into thinking it's still night (which it technically is) and you should be asleep.

I would try using BRIGHT lights (full spectrum lights, if you can get them) in the office.

Answer 3

I've heard that the light naturally begins to start to wake people up, so if it doesn't get light until late there, that could be why.

I've heard of alarm clocks which have a light on them so they gradually light up the room before you wake up, and I've heard they help people feel less sleepy.

Answer 4

Yes, that's probably why you're so tired. Your body is deprived from Vitamin D. My roomate has a light that imitates sunlight and puts Vitamin D back in your body. Here's something like it:

http://www.lighttherapyproducts.com/

Answer 5

You may have a touch of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). See if you can get one of those lights. Some insurance companies will pay for them so check with your doctor and your insurance company.

Answer 6

COFFEE!!!!
and maybe because theres almost always night your eyes might still want to close.

Answer 7

WOw...England doesn't get sun until 8am? hehe...

Answer 8

probably your work is boring or not hot ladies to keep you awake