Autumn in the Highlands is a sight to warm the heart. Clouds of Heather breathe final sighs as trees sway tiredly in cooler air. The light grows softer, making all things golden. Reds, browns and yellows emerge across the land. And an unhurried air of transition inspires an atmosphere of complete renewal.
With summer and its busy plans over, routine seeps back in.
Nestled on the most Northerly tip of the Highlands, the Autumn Equinox is felt quickly here. It offers a familiar and homely pull as the balance between light and darkness, day and night, tilts in the favour of deep, indulgent sleep.
Evenings draw noticeably darker each week. And with it the urge for home comforts, books by lamplight, nourishing warm meals, and a return to spaces that nurture and cocoon from the elements.
Our cyclical approach to sleep wellness
At the core of Ava Innes has always been a profound appreciation and respect for the natural cycles that govern each day, and that in turn determine the quality of sleep. In line with our cyclical approach to wellness, Autumn calls for earnest routine change to ensure sleep quality can match the seasonal gift of rest and restoration.
As the steady slowing of light affects the natural body clock that regulates sleep, we’ll be ensuring we’re exposed to sunlight as early as we can. Make it a priority to walk in morning sunshine, taking a short break or a work call outside. This will help regulate your sleep-wake cycle, signalling to the brain each morning to stop producing melatonin, the hormone that makes you tired, and to instead set you up for alertness.
As increased darkness creeps into each evening, melatonin is increased. This is the season where our natural need to sleep will be felt more each night. The instinct to rest and hibernate is hardwired into us, and one we cherish by only choosing natural fibres for our home and our bedroom. We savour leaning into this season, bringing bedtime routine forward in order to optimise sleep.
As ambient temperatures drop, sleep is further enhanced – naturally. Cooling temperatures are proven to induce sleep, and send you into deeper states of sleep. Embrace this by airing your bedding and bedroom, even when it feels too cold to do so. You will sleep all the more better for it.
Above all, Autumn is nature’s great reminder of balance. A reminder we carry into our wellness routines as we juggle many of life's commitments.
From everyone at Ava Innes, we wish you a rich and nourishing autumn of natural wonder and unparalleled rest.
Savour it. Give way to it. And feel awakened by the gift of sleep.
