When it gets dark at 4:30, the evening is long and it is easy to drift through it. A simple wind-down routine gives the dark hours some shape: a clear end to the day, a set dinner time, softer light and the same bedtime every night.
How early does it get dark in winter?
On the shortest day the sun sets at 4:20 pm in Seattle, 4:30 pm in Portland and 3:53 pm in London. That leaves five or six hours of evening before most people go to bed. See how your city compares in The Grey Index, or read the full year for Seattle, Portland and London.
1. Mark the end of the day
When the light goes, do something that says the working day is over. Close the laptop, change clothes, put the kettle on. A clear line helps the long evening feel like evening rather than more afternoon.
2. Eat at a regular time
A set dinner time gives the evening a middle. Try not to eat a big meal right before bed.
3. Soften the light
Swap bright overhead lights for lamps an hour or two before bed. It makes the house feel cosier and is a simple cue that the day is winding down.
4. Follow the NHS basics for sleep
The NHS suggests keeping a regular sleep routine, relaxing before bed, managing worries, keeping your bedroom comfortable, not forcing sleep and staying active during the day (NHS Every Mind Matters). Going to bed and getting up at the same time is the one that matters most in a long winter.
5. Add your evening supplements
If supplements are part of your evening, our Evening lineup is built for winding down:
- Calm Front: magnesium glycinate capsules.
- Nightfall: reishi relax gummies with lemon balm, passion flower and valerian.
- Golden Hour: hair, skin and nails gummies.
Check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.
A simple dark-evening routine
- Light goes, laptop closes.
- Dinner at the same time each night.
- Lamps on, big lights off.
- Evening supplements, a book, bed at the same time.
FAQ
What time does it get dark in Seattle in December?
The sun sets at about 4:20 pm on the shortest day, 21 December.
How do I stop dark evenings dragging?
Give them a shape. A clear end to the working day, a set dinner time and a regular bedtime turn a long dark evening into a routine.
Ray™'s take: The dark shows up early. You get to decide what the evening looks like.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for education and is not medical advice.