Have you been experiencing particularly vivid dreams lately? You’re not alone. Waking up from an intense dream that feels incredibly real can be a disorienting experience. If you’ve noticed that your dreams have been more bizarre and lifelike than usual, it could be due to the spring season.

According to sleep expert Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, a study has shown that our sleep patterns are most disrupted during the spring months. With the longer daylight hours prompting earlier wake times, our overall sleep duration decreases. Additionally, research indicates that we spend less time asleep when the days are longer.

This shift in our sleep patterns, influenced by the increased daylight, can lead to more vivid dreaming. The study revealed that, on average, our sleep duration is reduced by 25 minutes in the spring, even when we go to bed slightly earlier.

So, why do dreams become more intense in the spring? The disruption in our sleep hormone cycle caused by the changing light patterns can result in heightened dream activity. This phenomenon explains why many people experience exceptionally vivid dreams during this time of year.

These colorful and immersive dreams are a common occurrence in spring, with individuals reporting dreams that are more detailed and memorable than usual. If you’ve found yourself waking up from particularly vivid dreams lately, know that it may be a natural response to the seasonal changes affecting your sleep patterns.