Why You Get Sleepier in the First Week of January — Circadian Dip
Why You Get Sleepier in the First Week of January — Circadian Dip
IN · Published Jan 8, 2026
The 'circadian dip' in early January is caused by disrupted holiday routines and irregular sleep schedules.
Reduced sunlight in January increases melatonin production, leading to daytime sleepiness.
Establishing consistent sleep schedules, maximizing light exposure, and managing stress can combat January sleepiness.
Explaining increased sleepiness in the first week
The start of a new year often brings resolutions for self-improvement, but for many, it also brings an overwhelming sense of sleepiness, particularly during the first week of January. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as a 'circadian dip,' is a combination of several factors that disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle.
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