When the Sun Slows Down: How Circadian Rhythm Shifts in Autumn

There’s a moment in late September—maybe it’s after the equinox, maybe it’s just before—when something clicks. The light slants differently through the window. Dinner feels cozier than it did a few weeks ago. And bedtime? Suddenly, it's calling a little earlier.

You're not imagining it.

You're syncing with the season.

Your Body Has a Clock (And It's Watching the Sun)

We hear the phrase circadian rhythm tossed around a lot, but all it really means is your internal clock—your body’s natural rhythm that responds to light and dark. When the days are long and the evenings stretch into golden hour, that rhythm tends to shift later. But when the daylight shortens, your body gets the memo: It’s time to rest earlier.

This shift is especially noticeable in the fall. And for those of us who live a little more in tune—with plants, the moon, the seasons—it can feel like our whole being is leaning toward quiet.

I’ve been feeling it already. That soft pull to close the laptop sooner. To trade ambition for comfort. And to crawl into bed with a cup of something warm, a book I might not finish, and a dog already snoring at my feet.

Even Finney gets sleepier earlier these days. He’s a garden dog with a built-in barometer for the seasons. As soon as the sun dips low, he’s tucked himself in. No questions asked.

You’re Not Lazy. You’re Seasonal.

So many of us fight the shift. We push through the tired. We reach for caffeine. We berate ourselves for not being as productive as we were in July.

But what if we saw this slowing down as sacred?

What if rest wasn’t something to “earn,” but something to honor?

Autumn—and especially the weeks leading into winter—is a time when nature softens. Trees drop their leaves. Plants retreat underground. Animals begin their long, lovely naps.

And yet we humans keep pushing.

No wonder our sleep gets weird. Our energy drops. Our minds scatter.

So here’s your gentle reminder: you’re allowed to follow your rhythm. Let it get quieter. Let bedtime come sooner. Let yourself dim, along with the day.

A Little Ritual for the Darkening Season

One of my favorite ways to support this seasonal shift is through tiny rituals. Nothing elaborate. Just small, intentional cues that tell my body: You can let go now.

Here’s what that looks like for me most nights:

Dim the lights (or light a candle—Inner Peace is my go-to).

Brew a cup of Dream Tea — my new herbal blend made to soothe, calm, and ease the transition into rest.

Snuggle up with Finney — usually I read, but I do love some mindless / trash TV -- yes, honestly. (Finney loves COPS and Dancing With the Stars. True story). YOU might want to jot a note or two in your journal.

Let sleep come at its own pace.

I think there’s something nourishing about winding down on purpose. Not just collapsing into bed after scrolling, but giving your body permission to land.

And the bonus? When I give myself these quiet cues at night, I wake up more aligned.

Your (Circadian) Rhythm Is Magic

This season, notice how your rhythm is shifting.

Are you craving slower mornings? Earlier evenings?

Are you choosing soup over salad, socks over sandals, candles over ceiling lights?

That’s not just preference—it’s seasonal intelligence. It’s your internal rhythm syncing up with the world around you.

And yes, it’s a kind of magic.

P.S. If you’re looking for cozy tools to support your own evening rituals, I’ve tucked a few favorites into the shop:

→ Dream Tea (herbal, gentle, and a little dreamy). Part of the OCTOBER drop.

→ Inner Peace Candle (lavender + chamomile with just a whisper of cedarwood)

Let them be your rest allies — no guilt required.